Construction to begin on bridge over I-39 near Rockford. What you need to know

The bridge carrying Perryville Road over Interstate 39 and U.S. 20 will be closed for several months because of construction.

Here's what you need to know.

When is construction supposed to start?

The Illinois Department of Transportation said construction on the bridge is expected to begin March 20.

What kind of work is being done?

The $7.9 million project will replace the existing bridge with a new structure that will accommodate the widening of I-39 under the bridge. The new bridge will also be wider than the current bridge, according to IDOT.

More construction:Major road project impacting I-39/US 20 exits near Rockford, Cherry Valley on the horizon

What roads will be closed?

Perryville Road will be closed between Mill Road and Armer Drive.

Will there be detours?

Yes, IDOT said there will be two detours. The first is Harrison Avenue to Mulford Road to Linden Road. The second is Harrison Avenue to Mill Road.

Will I-39 be impacted?

Yes, drivers should expect occasional lane closures and shifts on I-39 during construction, according to IDOT.

When is construction expected to end?

IDOT said the project is expected to be finished by Dec. 1.

Is more construction near I-39 on the horizon?

The Perryville Road bridge project is part of advance work leading to the $227 million, multiyear project to improve I-39 between the U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange and Blackhawk Road. The changes include expanding the I-39 northbound and southbound ramps from one lane to two and converting the I-39/U.S. 20/Harrison Avenue interchange from a full cloverleaf to a diverging diamond interchange.