Caltrans has begun work on two road improvement projects on Highway 1 in Big Sur that could cause traffic delays.

The work involves replacing a culvert and improving rock slope protection. Both projects should be completed this summer and may cause 15-minute delays in areas with one-way traffic.

One project began Tuesday 10 miles south of Gorda at Pepperwood Gulch, and the other will begin a week later nine miles south of Gorda at Spur Creek. The contractor is Souza Construction of San Luis Obispo, and the work totals $646,000.