CHINA GROVE – N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will begin work today replacing the Patterson Street bridge over Grants Creek in China Grove in Rowan County.

“The design of the original bridge is outdated and no longer meets the demands of the traffic using it,” said Senior Assistant Resident Engineer Larry Shaver.

The road will be closed at the bridge at 9 a.m. on Monday. It should reopen by Sept. 25.

Local traffic will be able to access locations on either side of the bridge up to the work zone.

The detour route around the closure uses Kimball Road, N.C. 152 and South Main Street.

NCDOT reminds motorists to stay alert, watch signs for construction information, and obey the posted speed limit. They should also anticipate trips through the area taking a little longer because of the detour.

This project is part of the department’s overall bridge program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges and ensure the safety of motorists who rely on them.