Motorists will encounter minor traffic delays beginning Monday on various state highways in eight southeast Minnesota counties as crews begin chip sealing work to help preserve the roadways, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Motorists will take turns using the single open lane while being directed by flaggers. Delays should be minimal through the work zone. Work should be completed by mid-August.

Highways scheduled for chip sealing work include:

Highway 44 in Fillmore/Houston counties from Highway 52 to Third Avenue in Spring Grove

Highway 52 in Fillmore County from the Iowa state line to County Road 22 north of Harmony

Highway 16 in Fillmore County from Pleasant Street in Lanesboro to Highway 43 near Rushmore

Highway 16 in Fillmore County from Center Avenue in Spring Valley to Highway 52 near Preston

Highway 56 in Fillmore/Mower counties from Highway 63 to Ada Street in LeRoy

Highway 63 in Mower/Olmsted counties from Highway 16 to Stewartville city limits

Highway 30 in Olmsted/Dodge counties from Highway 56 near Hayfield to Highway 63

Highway 30 in Steele County from County Road 45 to Highway 218 in Blooming Prairie

Highway 30 in Waseca/Steele counties from Highway 13 near New Richmond to east of Ellendale

Highway 13 in Freeborn/Waseca counties from Highway 69 in Albert Lea to Highway 30 in New Richmond

Highway 65 in Freeborn County from the Iowa state line to Shore Drive in Albert Lea

Highway 69 in Freeborn County from the Iowa state line to Highway 13 in Albert Lea

Highway 218 in Mower County from the Iowa state line to Interstate 90 in Austin

Chip sealing involves applying a thin film of heated asphalt on the road surface, followed by the placement of small aggregates or “chips.” The chips are then compacted to allow for maximum adherence to the asphalt and excess stone is swept away. Chip sealing protects the pavement from the effects of sun and water, increases skid resistance, fills small cracks and other surface defects. Learn more at MnDOT’s road knowledge website www.dot.state.mn.us/information/roads/chip-seal.html.

MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.