CHINA GROVE – N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will begin work Monday to replace the Rimertown Road Bridge that crosses a tributary of Dutch Buffalo Creek between Pless and Phaniel Church roads in China Grove.

“Built in 1976, the existing bridge no longer meets the demands of the traffic using it and has reached the end of its life cycle,” said Richard Ho, DOT assistant resident engineer.

Part of the road will close from 8 a.m. Monday until work is complete in August. Local traffic will be able to access locations on either side of the bridge up to the point of closure.

A detour in both directions around the closure will use Pless, Sapp and Phaniel Church roads.

The project is part of a DOT program to improve the condition of bridges statewide.

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