Motorists can expect some additional delays on Route 571, beginning as soon as Monday, March 18, as the county begins work on the replacement of its bridge over Big Bear Brook, just south of the intersection with Lanwin Boulevard and Rabbit Hill Road.
While construction will be staged so that one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction, Route 571 will be reduced from four to two lanes in the construction area. The lane closings will be in place around the clock for the duration of the project. The anticipated work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The replacement bridge will accommodate four lanes of traffic, with shoulders, as well as sidewalks on both sides. The timing of the work is based on the fact that environmental permits require that no work be done in the stream between May 1 and June 30. The project is expected to last nine months, depending on weather.