Motorists traveling between Oak Harbor and Coupeville will endure significant delays this week due to a construction project.

The east side of Highway 20 around the intersection with Arnold Road will close starting at 7 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, until 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6. During the three-day-long lane closure a pilot car will guide motorists through the construction areas. The lane closure is expected to cause significant delays especially during peak travel times.

Dave Chesson, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Transportation, said this week’s work is the only daytime closures motorists will have to endure. However, some night-time closures from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday night through Friday morning will take place throughout the summer.

During the lane closure, work crews will be busy realigning the intersection of Highway 20 and Arnold Road. The stretch of Highway 20 has been plagued with a high number of traffic accidents over the years. The project will improve the sight distance for motorists and planners said it will reduce the number of instances where vehicles run off the road.

The $9.5 million project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011.