(KMZA)--Mill and overlay projects are to begin Friday, September 1st in Jackson and Pottawatomie Counties.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the work will cover about 18 miles of K-16, from U.S. 75 in Holton to the K-63 junction, and about 3 miles of K-79, from the K-16 junction to Circleville.

The contractor will begin at U.S. 75 and work west to K-79, where they will shift north to Circleville. Once complete, they will return to K-16 and proceed west to K-63. Work will be done in smaller sections to reduce the impact to motorists.

KDOT says traffic will be reduced to one lane in the active work zone and directed by a pilot car and flaggers. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday.

Bettis Asphalt & Construction, of Topeka, is the contractor on the combined $3.5 million projects, which are expected to be complete by early October, conditions permitting.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone. To stay aware of highway construction projects across Kansas, go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1.