N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will soon begin work replacing the Shive Road bridge over Second Creek, forcing a three-month closure.

“The design of the original bridge is outdated and no longer meets the demands of the traffic using it,” said Larry Shaver, the DOT’s senior assistant resident engineer.

Local traffic will still be able to access locations on each side of the bridge up to the point of closure at the bridge construction area. That part of the road will be closed from Monday until work is complete on Oct. 2, weather permitting.

Motorists will be able to use Shuping Mill Road, Old Beatty Ford Road and Organ Church Road to detour around the closure.

The project is part of DOT’s program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges and ensure the safety of drivers who rely on them.

DOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information and to obey the posted speed limit.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.