State workers have begun work on Route 202/9 in Hopkinton and Henniker, starting a project that will make the road safer and more convenient for drivers.

Chuck Davis, New Hampshire Department of Transportation contract administrator, said the project will cost about $3 million and needs to be completed by Oct. 17.

Workers started grinding the road, and the first phase will include paving about 4 miles. In total, the project will consist of work on 7.3 miles of road from Exit 5 on I-89 to Rush Road in Henniker.

The second phase of the project will include widening the road, guardrail improvement, turning lanes, and slope and drainage work.

Davis said the final product will lead to happier drivers.

“It’s a little of both (safety and convenience). We’re adding the turn lane that should make traffic go more smoothly and be a safety improvement,” said Davis. “The rest is routine maintenance. We’re going to put in shallower rumble strips so they’ll be less noise as well.”

There will be four turning lanes added by the time the project is completed. The first will be on Stumpfield Road, next at the intersection of Route 127 and Old Concord Road near the Golden Pineapple and Contoocook River, the third at Old Concord and West Hopkinton roads, and the final at Foster Hill Road.

“We’ll impact the commuters in the morning and afternoon commute, but we’re trying to minimize that,” said Davis. “The best option is to use an alternate route, such as 127 and Exit 6. We’ll try to keep commuters in the loop with what we’re doing.”

Although the project needs to be completed by the pre-set Oct. 17 deadline, Davis said the project is slightly ahead of schedule, targeting an Oct. 12 completion.