(KAIR) -- On Wednesday, a resurfacing project began on a 9-mile section of K-116 from Decatur Road east to the US-59 junction in Atchison County.

Project work includes a 2-inch surface recycle (mainline/shoulders), conventional seal on mainline lanes, followed by all new pavement markings.

The resurfacing project will smooth the road and fill surface defects that can shorten pavement life.

For the conventional seal, workers will spread a thin layer of asphalt over the pavement then coat it with a layer of rock chips that is pressed into place with heavy rollers.

Work will take place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with some occasional Saturday work.

The work will be coordinated so that all lanes will be opened to traffic by 30 minutes before sunset.

Eastbound and westbound K-116 traffic will be reduced to one lane for both directions along with intermittent closures of adjacent cross roads during the project work hours for resurfacing work.

Traffic will be directed through the project work zone via a pilot car and flagger operation.

Drivers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes maximum and are encouraged to use alternate routes, if possible.

There will be a posted speed limit of 40 mph and a 10-foot lane width restriction through the project work zone during working hours.

No oversized or supersized loads will be allowed through the project work zone.

Dustrol, Inc. is the primary contractor on this resurfacing project with a total contract cost of $759,452.

Overall project work is scheduled to be completed in early October 2012.

This project is funded by T-WORKS, the transportation program passed by the Kansas Legislature in May 2010.