Starting Monday, motorists can expect traffic to slow through Carman...but it's for a good reason. Work to rebuild Highway 13 through town will officially get started.

Infrastructure Minister and Midland MLA, Blaine Pedersen, said the $8.5 million project will start at the intersection of Highways 3 and 13 and move north. The rebuild will include new curbs, sidewalks, shoulders and, of course, the main highway and Pedersen agreed, it's been a long-time coming.

Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen was in Carman Friday to observe preparations in anticipation of Monday's start date

"We've heard a lot about this project in my office...when is it going to happen?", explained the minister. "The mayor will attest to it, there's been a lot of engineering to make this happen to get it right in terms of your curbs, your sidewalks, the level of the street, etc."

And while this project begins, work to finish off the Highway 13 curves north of town, in the R.M. of Dufferin, has yet to wrap up.

Pedersen explained that the dirt work on the new curves is complete and is ready to be paved. He added work on the portion of the road that will connect the curves to the main highway has yet to finish up, but noted that can only happen closer to when the paving takes place, which will depend on the weather.

"If I'm remembering it right, you cannot do asphalt when it's below six degrees (Celsius) during the day."

As for the final lift of the remaining pavement north of town, Pedersen noted that will happen next summer.

And while excitement is high for the new road, Pedersen does remind motorists that there will be delays, detours and other hiccups during construction.

"Just please, everyone have some patience and above all, be safe. We've got workers that will be working right beside you as you drive by, please keep their safety in mind because safety is paramount to everything."

Pedersen says the work will start at the intersection of Highways 3 and 13 and make its way north