Vehicles cross the Pond Creek Bridge on West Virginia 68 Monday evening south of Belleville. The bridge is set to close Thursday so it can be replaced. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

BELLEVILLE – The West Virginia 68 bridge crossing Pond Creek will be closed for a complete replacement over the next two-plus months.

The closure starts Thursday and is expected to last until Aug. 14 or later.

West Virginia Division of Highways District 3 Construction Engineer Joshua Smith said the bridge requires “superstructure replacement and substructure repairs.”

The bridge has a posted 14-ton weight limit and a sign for approaching vehicles instructs trucks to cross one at a time.

Traffic will be rerouted for the summer months to ensure the bridge and construction crews can work swiftly and accurately.

Equipment has been moved into place on the Pond Creek Bridge on West Virginia 68 in preparation for the structure's replacement. It's expected to close Thursday for a little over two months.(Photo by Evan Bevins)

There will be detour signs present to guide traffic through the area and direct residents where they need to go during this time.

Those traveling north toward Parkersburg will be directed onto U.S. 33 toward Silverton and take Interstate 77 north to Parkersburg.

For those traveling south, they will be directed to U.S. 50 and I-77 south towards Silverton.

“This is an accelerated project and barring any major issues, the bridge will be reopened for school in the fall,” said Smith.

Visit transportation.wv.gov for more information.

A truck pulling a trailer crosses the Pond Creek Bridge on West Virginia 68 Monday evening south of Belleville. The bridge is set to close Thursday so it can be replaced. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com