The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin construction Monday to increase safety and smoothness along State Road 260. The work is not expected to restrict traffic significantly along the Scenic Route until early September.

Work along SR 260 between SR 273 (Sunrise junction) and SR 373 (Greer junction) will involve cutting back the top of a hillside (Greens Peak Curve, milepost 380) to allow more sunlight along the road during the winter, according to an ADOT press release.

The hillside work, along with the extension of two concrete drainage culverts, will reportedly have a minimal impact on traffic because most of the work will be done off the highway. Periodic delays of 30 minutes are a possibility if blasting is required.

Resurfacing of an 8.2-mile stretch of SR 260 between SR 273 and SR 373 is scheduled to begin in early September. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and escort vehicles will guide motorists through the work zone in one direction at a time, resulting in 20- to 30-minute delays.

Resurfacing should be completed by mid September.