A highway improvement project on Highway 20 east of Deception Pass will mean minor delays for drivers over the next few weeks.

Construction crews are starting the second stage of an improvement project along the highway. The $11.1 million project includes widening lands and shoulders as well as improvements to intersections between Meadow Creek and Miller/Gibralter roads.

During the next few weeks, drivers should expect to see crews installing signs, high-visibility fencing and clearing the shoulders in preparation for utility work.

Scarsella Brothers, Inc. of Kent has been awarded the contract to complete the project;

Marshbank Construction Inc. of Lake Stevens was responsible for the first phase of the work. The total project is expected to cost $34.3 million and will be paid for by the

2003 “Nickel Funding” package.

The stretch of Highway 20 being improved has seen numerous accidents in recent years. From January 2002 through June 2007, there were 156 accidents that killed two people and injured 100 others.