N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will close parts of Interstate 85 north and south between Mile Markers 61 and 70 in China Grove to replace a bridge.

This construction is associated with the I-85 widening project spanning Rowan and Cabarrus counties.

Overnight closures of northbound lanes will begin at 9 p.m. Thursday and will wrap up by 6 a.m. March 29. Northbound traffic will detour using Exit 63, Lane Street and U.S. 29.

Southbound closures will begin at midnight March 30, and will wrap up by 6 a.m. April 4. Southbound traffic will detour using Exit 68 and U.S. 29 in the opposite direction.

Work will take place nightly from midnight until 6 a.m. to lessen the impact on commuters. Contractors will also narrow N.C. 152 to three lanes until the new bridge is complete.

“Overall, the project involves replacing and rebuilding several bridges over I-85 while adding four travel lanes to an 8-mile stretch, which will help improve traffic flow in the area,” said Division 9 engineer Pat Ivey.

Transportation officials remind motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.

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