Northbound travel on Gilbert Road will be reduced to one lane beginning Monday from Thomas Road to the Beeline Highway.

Maricopa County Department of Transportation officials said the restriction is in preparation for the first phase of construction of the Gilbert Road bridge at the Salt River crossing.

The lane reduction will begin 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, and remain until early March, including weekends and holidays, according to MCDOT.

Drivers should also be alert for flaggers assisting trucks crossing Gilbert Road in the project area, officials said.

The Maricopa County Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the City of Mesa, is constructing the bridge over the Salt River.

The new four-lane Gilbert Road bridge will replace the existing two-lane bridge and low water crossing, which can become flooded during high water flows in the Salt River.

MCDOT officials said the bridge will be built in phases and provide two northbound and two southbound lanes. The project includes new pavement, signs and improved drainage in the project area.

Gilbert Road bridge construction is anticipated to be completed in 2025.