Things sometimes have to get a little worse before they can get better, which is the plan of action for the Department of Transportation as they work on Highway 141 starting next week.

On Monday, the DOT will begin a project to improve traffic capacity on Highway 141 in between Highway 44 and 37th Street near Grimes. They will be adding a third lane in each direction to improve an area that is frequently congested with traffic during rush hour. Due to the construction, there will be lane closures in each direction.

The work is scheduled to run from Monday all the way until late October of this year, weather permitting. In an effort to keep traffic running relatively smoothly during the construction period, both southbound lanes will be open weekday mornings from 6-9 a.m., while both northbound lanes will be open weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. Side roads will be closed at intersections, and detours will be in place.

The DOT reminds people to allow themselves extra travel time over the next five months, as delays will be likely.