A bridge project near laurinburg will begin this Monday, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The project is expected to cost about $1.7 million to place a new bridge over Gum Swamp Creek, northwest of Laurinburg. It will become part of I-74 westbound when the highway is upgraded to interstate status, DOT officials have said.

The new bridge replaces the 74-year-old structure currently in place. It was built to bridge design standards no longer in use and is considered functionally obsolete.

The project is expected to wrap up by Sept. 15, 2014.

An on-site temporary detour and temporary detour bridge will be constructed between the existing U.S. 74 bridges to handle westbound traffic while the old bridge is removed and new bridge is constructed. For safety reasons, the speed limit within the project work zone will be reduced to 45 miles per hour during the construction period.

The project will result in the permanent closure of access to U.S. 74 from Devon Drive.

NCDOT said motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Updated travel information is also available by calling 511 or online at www.ncdot.gov/travel. In addition, NCDOT now offers travel information on Twitter.

The Tara Group of Lumberton Inc. was awarded the contract for the replacement.