PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Drivers on KY 979 in Floyd County will not face an immediate road closure as work begins on the Mud Creek bridge replacement project.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the highway will remain open while crews build a temporary onsite diversion, allowing traffic to continue moving through the area during the early stages of construction. Work on the diversion is expected to begin early next week and take about two weeks, weather permitting.

The existing bridge will remain open while the diversion is under construction. Once the temporary route is complete, traffic will shift onto it while crews replace the bridge.

Motorists should expect single-lane traffic controlled by temporary signals, alternating traffic flow, delays during peak travel times and a 12-foot width restriction. Construction vehicles will also be entering and exiting the work zone, and backups are possible near the KY 3680 intersection.

Drivers are reminded not to block the KY 3680 intersection, allow extra travel time and use caution while traveling through the work zone as construction progresses.