CLEARFIELD — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reminding drivers that work began Monday to replace a bridge on Route 255 in St. Marys.

The bridge is now closed and a detour is in place. The bridge spans Silver Run at the intersection of Joseph Road and Route 255. Replacing the bridge will allow PennDOT to remove it from Elk County’s list of bridges in poor condition.

The bridge will be closed for at least two weeks. During the closure, traffic will follow an official detour using Route 120, Route 219, and Route 255. PennDOT thanks area drivers for their patience during this closure.

Drivers should be alert to the following conditions: Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to cross the bridge during this closure.

Local traffic will be able to access East Joseph Road from Route 255 when coming from the St Marys or hospital area.

Local traffic will be able to access West Joseph Road from Route 255 when coming from the Johnsonburg area.

Drivers familiar with the area may choose to use alternate routes.

All work is weather and schedule dependent.

Once the detour is lifted, the contractor will perform utility relocation and restoration work. This work will require the intermittent use of flaggers in the roadway to provide traffic control. The overall project consists of replacing the reinforced concrete bridge, installing the precast box culvert, drainage improvements, guiderail installation and pavement improvements. HRI, Inc. of State College is the contractor for this $1.9 million job, which is expected to be completed by mid-October.

The existing 16-foot structure was built in 1931 and carries and average of nearly 5,600 vehicles daily.