PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The Maine Transportation Department said pedestrian, cycling and motor traffic will be affected by construction on busy Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects Portland and South Portland off Route 295. Work began June 21.

The bridge’s southbound sidewalk and shoulder are closed, affecting motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. There also will be daily southbound lane closures as necessary during off-peak traffic hours for construction activities. Traffic during peak hours on weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. will not be affected.

The new bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in summer 2012, when the old Veterans Memorial Bridge will be removed. The entire project will be complete by December 2012.

Project manager Jeff Folsom said that since the existing bridge will remain open during construction of the new bridge, disruption to traffic is expected to be minimal.

Today's top stories

Reconstruction of Frank J. Wood Bridge in Maine Under Way

Buffalo Looks to Improve, Protect Ralph Wilson Park

Webuild Ready to Rebuild Collapsed Baltimore Bridge

Make Eliminating Jobsite Distractions Company Safety Goal

VIDEO: Komatsu Holds Demo Days at Cartersville Customer Center

Tracey Road Equipment Plans Major Expansion in Utica

Rototilt Investing in Factory Expansion in Sweden

New TEC Equipment Rental Location in Columbia, S.C., Joins Takeuchi Dealer Network