Drivers are advised that work to replace the Whitewater and Lyle Creek bridges gets underway this week, which will cause minor delays on Highway 31A.

The existing two-lane timber Lyle Creek and Whitewater bridges will be replaced with modern concrete and steel two-lane structures. The new bridges will have 1.5-metre-wide shoulders and bicycle railings to improve safety and mobility for all users.

Before construction on the new crossings can begin, temporary single-lane detours will be built at both locations to maintain connectivity through the Highway 31A corridor during construction.

Work on the Lyle Creek Bridge, 22.5 kilometres east of New Denver, will begin early this week with the detour anticipated to be in place by the end of June 2019. The Whitewater Bridge, 21 kilometres east of New Denver, will have a construction detour likely beginning in late July. The temporary crossing is expected to be complete by early August 2019.

Both permanent bridges are expected to be open to traffic by the end of October 2019.

During construction, single-lane alternating traffic will be in place 24 hours a day. People should be prepared for delays of up to 10 minutes.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and use caution when travelling through the work areas.

For the most up-to-date information, check DriveBC.ca and @DriveBC on Twitter.