By SALINA POST
OTTAWA COUNTY - The Kansas Department of Transportation announced today that a resurfacing project has begun on U.S. Highway 81 in Ottawa County.
![<b>The resurfacing project on U.S. 81 northbound in Ottawa County.</b> Maps courtesy KDOT](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685551337045.png)
Work on nine miles of northbound U.S. 81 will be from approximately two miles south of Kansas Highway 106 to approximately seven miles north of K-106, KDOT noted in a news release.
![<b>The resurfacing project on U.S. 81 southbound in Ottawa County.</b>](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685551421906.png)
Work on approximately three miles of southbound U.S. 81 will be from approximately two miles south of K-106 to approximately one mile north of K-106.
"Traffic will be reduced to one 16-foot lane at a reduced speed through the work zone. Drivers should expect minimal delays, not exceeding five minutes," KDOT noted.
The project is expected to cost $8.9 million and is scheduled to be completed in September, weather permitting. The prime contractor for the project is APAC-Kansas Inc. of Hutchinson.
"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 all road construction projects across Kansas, go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1," KDOT noted.