A project to improve turnout areas along a 3-mile stretch of Highway 1 near the Estero Bluffs north of Cayucos begins Monday, Caltrans has announced.

Traffic is subject to one-way traffic control causing brief delays for motorists from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays.

Crushed stone with paved aprons will be used to create six informal pullouts along the southbound, or west, side of the road from North Ocean Avenue to south of Villa Creek Road.

Low-growing native shrubs and grasses will be planted where soil is disturbed by the work. Plants will be watered with a drip irrigation system.

Temporary wire fencing will control access around newly planted areas until new plants are established. Permanent fencing will limit access to environmentally sensitive areas while maintaining coastal access.

Pacific Restoration Group Inc. of Perris has a $1.2 million contract to do the work. Completion is expected this summer.