Work is scheduled to begin on a replacement project for a bridge on Route 19 in Mercer County March 17.

The $1.98 million project to replace a bridge that carries Route 19 over Johnston Run in Springfield Township is scheduled to begin Monday, March 17 and is expected to be completed by October 20.

The project will be paid for entirely with federal funds.

The bridge is located near Rachel's Roadhouse between the intersection with Leesburg Station Road and the intersection with Creek Road. The bridge was built in 1928 and is classified as in poor condition.

About 2,800 vehicles use the bridge per day on average.

The project will consist of bridge demolition and excavation, as well as new abutments, box beams, concrete deck and barriers. There will also be minimal asphalt paving, guiderail updates and new pavement markings.

During the project, one lane of the bridge will remain open with traffic controlled via a temporary traffic signal. The signal is expected to be set on flash mode on March 17 and be fully operational by March 25.

Drivers are asked to stay alert for traffic pattern shifts and lane restrictions and should expect travel delays during the project.