The Nebraska Department of Roads says drivers should be prepared for the start of construction projects on the state’s highways.

Some of the first projects will begin next month near Johnstown and Thedford, but road construction projects are common during spring and summer.

Officials say that Paulsen Inc. won a $3.3 million contract to add four inches of asphalt to U.S. Highway 20 near Wood Lake. That work will begin on April 8.

Western Engineering will begin working on a $2.35 million project on April 1 to add asphalt to 10 miles of U.S. Highway 83 north of Thedford.

Traffic will continue to move through both projects during the work, but the flow will be reduced to one lane during the day.