(KLZA)--Preparations are being made for a nearly $2-million improvement project on Highway 73 in Falls City.

Knife River Corporation, of Sioux City, Iowa, will serve as the contractor on the project.  Russ Eltiste of Tecumseh will serve as the Project Manager for the Nebraska  Department of Transportation.  

The project includes pavement repair along the entire stretch of highway followed by a half-inch asphalt overlay from 19th Street north.  

Eltiste said drivers should expect some lane closures during the project which is to be completed by fall.

Eltiste said the islands in the middle of Highway 73 from 19th Street north will remain.  

Eltiste reminds motorists traveling in construction areas to drive carefully.