(MyKeeneNow) As the Brattleboro-Hinsdale bridge project moves into its final stages, drivers should expect some temporary traffic disruptions.

The contractor has been permitted to work through the holiday weekend, but traffic impacts are expected to be minimal, according to the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

Paving began on the General John Stark Memorial Bridge, as it’s known on the Vermont side, on Oct. 8. The bridge connects Hinsdale and Brattleboro.

Traffic may be affected intermittently on both sides of the Connecticut River as crews push to complete the project, which began in the fall of 2021. The new bridge, approximately 1,800 feet long, will replace the aging twin truss bridges currently spanning the river on NH Route 119. The Vermont intersection will be about 1,000 feet south of the current crossing.

Crews will be installing signs along the approaches near the new intersection of Vermont Route 142 and Vermont/New Hampshire Route 119. Drivers should stay alert for traffic officers managing the work. Additionally, one-way alternating traffic, controlled by flaggers, will be in effect on VT Route 142 as workers continue constructing the new intersection for the bridge.

Drivers should also expect increased construction vehicle activity, especially near the roadway. Concrete trucks will be operating in the area.

The second layer of asphalt is being paved on the new NH/VT Route 119 bridge, following the completion of the base layer. The temporary trestle used during construction is now being dismantled. Last week, the final “moment slab” of concrete was placed, and remaining concrete work will focus on sign bases and sidewalks. Concrete trucks will continue to access the site as needed, with periodic lane closures managed by flaggers.

This week, the Vermont side of the bridge was paved, with additional paving scheduled for today. Final striping for both VT Route 142 and the bridge is planned for Thursday, October 17. Temporary pavement markings will also be added as the bridge gets closer to opening.

Other ongoing work includes waterproofing exposed concrete, removing overhang forms, and dismantling the temporary trestle. Crews are also working to restore drainage systems that were disturbed during construction on Pier 1, located on the Barrows and Fisher property. Sign installation is expected to begin soon, with crews working along the shoulders of the bridge and its approaches.

The bridge was originally scheduled to open in November. However, delays at some of the piers have pushed the expected completion date  to June of 2025.