(KMZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin Thursday, February 1st, on U.S. 36 Highway in Nemaha County, conditions permitting.

The structure is about 2 miles west of Baileyville.

KDOT says Initial work will consist of constructing a shoofly detour to carry traffic around the existing bridge. Traffic impact should be minimal during this phase of the project.

The shoofly is expected to be complete later this spring. Traffic will then be shifted to the detour while the bridge is replaced.

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours and is expected to be complete by December.

Reece Construction, of Salina, is the prime contractor on the $4.2 million project.