Construction of the new Wayne Street viaduct in Butler will start in late September, according to Mike Girolami, state Department of Transportation District 10 representative and project manager.

Craig Snatchko, project manager for Mekis Construction Co., the contractor for the bridge project, said Mekis will build four piers and two abutments while keeping the present bridge open.

Mr. Snatchko said beginning in the summer of 2009, the old bridge would be closed for four months, with traffic following suggested PennDOT detours. He explained the new bridge will be tied into the road structure at Wayne and Fairview streets while the present bridge is closed.

Three buildings will be removed to make way for the new bridge, and Cliff Street and Center Avenue will be closed while the first pier is being built. He said progress depends on the weather.

"If we can get the piers and abutments built this winter, we can open up late next year," he said.

The existing bridge will be demolished in 2010.

PennDOT is updating its Web site, www.dot.state.pa.us/, to reflect the construction phase for the project.