A Saline County bridge replacement project is underway.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, construction began on Friday on K-143 Highway, a half mile north of I-70 just north of Salina. During construction traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction at a reduced speed of 40 mph.

In addition to replacing the K-143 Bridge a bridge on north 5th St crossing the same Mulberry Creek Drainage will be removed. 5th St has been closed to through traffic and is now a dead end Street from both north and south.

Plans call for this project to be completed in early August, 2014 weather permitting.

The purpose of this project is to extend the life of the highway while improving the ride experienced by travelers.