Prince George, B.C. – Work is finally underway to replace the Salmon River Bridge north of Prince George.

An $8-million contract for the contract has been awarded to Surespan Construction of North Vancouver.

Work to replace the 61-year-old bridge is expected to be completed in fall 2017.

As part of construction, the government says the current bridge will be moved from its present highway alignment to provide a detour while the new bridge is constructed.

The move will require an overnight closure of the highway, which is tentatively scheduled for late September or early October. More information will be provided to motorists as closure details are finalized.

Once the work is complete, it will form a two-lane detour, which will remain in effect until the new bridge is completed. There may also be some short periods of single-lane alternating traffic during the start and end of the construction phase.

The bridge is being replaced to handle the increase in commercial traffic. With a wider span and greater load capacity, the new bridge will support the movement of heavy loads required to service sectors in the north.

The government says removing the height restriction will also make it more accessible for oversized loads.

The new bridge will have two full lanes and highway shoulders, as well as a pedestrian crossing.