PORTLAND (AP) – Work is scheduled to begin Monday on the final phase of the five-year Maine Turnpike widening project.

Workers will begin blasting ledge in the 5.8-mile stretch between exit 3 in Kennebunk and exit 4 in Biddeford. That is the last stretch of highway south of Portland to be widened from four to six lanes.

The third lanes in both directions are expected to be open to traffic by October or November. Officials said motorists should be prepared for five to 10 minutes delays during the widening work.

Northbound lanes may be closed on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Southbound closures will be allowed weekdays from dawn to 3 p.m. Daytime lane closures will be prohibited from April until the end of summer to accommodate summer crowds.

, Paradee said.

This is the final year of the 30-mile, $136-million widening project. Workers have been expanding the highway in sections from York to exit 6A in Scarborough.

Besides added lanes, the project adds wider shoulders, 18 rebuilt bridges and a new guardrail system.