GRAY – A five-mile northbound paving project in Gray is expected to create traffic delays during afternoon commuter hours and other peak hours Friday and Saturday through mid-June. Contractors have added more machinery to complete the job as soon as possible.

Crews began grinding the old pavement between mile 59 and mile 64 on the northbound side of the highway on Monday. The contractor has added an additional grinder to make the job go quicker. The grinding should be completed by the middle of next week, at which time contractors will immediately begin paving operations.

“There will be afternoon delays in the northbound direction over the next several weeks. Our strategy is to get in and get out as quickly as possible before the heavy summer traffic arrives,” turnpike spokesman Dan Paradee said.