NEWTON, Kan. — Motorists who use the I-135 and westbound U.S. 50 interchange in Newton may want to find another route. Crews have started the third phase of repairs to a bridge on westbound U.S. 50 over I-135. The project will close the span for about one month.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the third phase will include remaining deck patching, placement of a concrete overlay and the application of masonry coating to bridge rails, as well as removal of a lighting system. While the bridge is closed, U.S. 50 westbound traffic will be detoured.

The detour means motorists will travel an extra 20 miles to reach Newton. The detour begins in Florence, then runs north to U.S. 56. It travels west through Marion and Hillsboro before turning south to Newton on K-15.

Signs will advise people traveling westbound on U.S. 50 of the detour in advance. Persons with questions about this road work or other KDOT projects may call South Central Kansas Public Affairs Manager Deb Gruver at 620-663- 3361.