PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Construction work on a bridge that connects Pierre and Fort Pierre is scheduled to start sometime in July.

Jim Hyde of the state Department of Transportation said the project will mainly focus on the underneath section of the Missouri River Bridge.

There have been discussions about whether the bridge, which opened in the early 1960s, might eventually have to be replaced, but officials said it’s safe.

The bridge will be reduced to two lanes with head-to-head traffic during construction.