WATFORD CITY – Construction began Friday on N.D. Highway 23 from Watford City to the Fort Berthold Reservation boundary, about 10 miles west of New Town, according to the N.D. Department of Transportation.

The project consists of a chip sealing, which is a thin film of heated asphalt liquid that is sprayed on the road surface followed by placement of small aggregates (chips). The chips are gradually compacted by traffic traveling over the roadway for maximum adherence to the asphalt.

During construction speeds will be reduced. A pilot car and flaggers will be present and motorists may experience delays.

The project is expected to be completed in September.