EPHRATA - Crews began restriping a section of state Route 28 yesterday between Ephrata and Soap Lake to accommodate left-turning traffic.

Once completed, nearly four miles of the highway from the north end of Ephrata to Lakeview Park in Soap Lake will have a continuous, center-turn lane and passing lanes in each direction, according to information provided by the state Department of Transportation.

About half of the 3.5-mile stretch of highway will have two northbound lanes and one south. The other half will have one northbound and two south.

"Restriping the highway is a low-cost way to reduce the chance for collision while still allowing drivers to get where they're going efficiently," said Jennene Ring, WSDOT regional traffic engineer.

Along with the new stripes, left-turn arrows, reflective pavement markers and new signs will also be installed.

During the construction, two-way traffic will be maintained by closing the center lane and routing vehicles on each side of the road.

The project could be completed as early as June 6.

The Legislature allocated the funding for this project and other low-cost projects throughout the state. The estimated cost of the project, being completed by Specialized Pavement Marking Company out of Oregon, is about $52,000.