Motorists likely will notice a traffic shift Friday night on Hwy 141/Bethelview Road where it meets Hwy. 9.

As part of an intersection improvement project, about 250 feet of each road will shift to allow traffic flow to continue on the recently built portion while crews work on the original lanes.

Work began on the project last fall. State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Teri Pope said the new road has been completed, but just two of the three layers of asphalt have been completed.

“It’s not a smooth driving surface yet, so it will be a little rough as people shift to this new part,” she said.

The $4.6 million construction project is being handled by contractor C.W. Matthews, using 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds.

Crews will rebuild the existing crossing to create two through lanes, two left turn lanes and a right turning lane for each leg.

In addition to the road improvements, there will be traffic signal equipment upgrades and the addition of sidewalks.

Department spokeswoman Teri Pope said the traffic changes will begin tonight, but should be finished by 8 a.m. Saturday, weather permitting.

Traffic will be delayed in the area as the shift occurs.

In total, about a mile of road is being impacted — about .6 miles on Hwy. 9 and .4 miles on Bethelview.

“It’s a long intersection improvement, longer than a typical intersection improvement because we’re building all of these additional turn lanes on all four approaches,” Pope said.

Pope said crews won’t start shifting lanes until about 7 or 8 p.m., after traffic dies down. The project is expected to be finished by May.

“This is a [work zone] and extreme caution is necessary for motorists and workers. Please slow down as you travel through this work zone,” said Harold Mull, a DOT construction engineer.

“Message signs are in place now to alert the community of the upcoming changes. We appreciate your caution driving through the area.”