(KNZA)--Motorists are alerted to the start, this week, of roadwork affecting sections of U.S. Highway 73 and U.S. Highway 36 in Brown and Doniphan counties.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the chip and seal project is set to start Monday, with crews to begin work on U.S. 73 through the city limits of Hiawatha, with lane reductions to be in place through a one-mile corridor. The release says that portion of the work is expected to be complete by mid-week, if conditions cooperate.

On Tuesday, work will begin on U.S. 36, with that portion of work to extend from Hiawatha to just east of Troy, and through the city limits of Wathena. Crews will begin work at the west end of the project then progress eastward, with work to be done in smaller sections, with a pilot car and flaggers to direct traffic through the workzone.

Drivers, KDOT says, should expect delays of up to 15 minutes while that section of work is conducted, expected to be complete in July, conditions permitting.

Intermittent ramp closures will also occur in the project areas as needed. Message boards will be in place to alert and direct motorists.

Work will take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed.

Vance Brothers Inc. of Kansas City, Mo., is the prime contractor on the $1.8 million project.