SOUTH DEERFIELD — Replacement of the 79-year-old bridge carrying North Main Street over the railroad tracks is expected to begin sometime later this year, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The bridge, which has been closed to vehicle traffic since late May 2024, is slated to be demolished and replaced, following the discovery of deteriorated decking by MassDOT during scheduled maintenance. The state closed the bridge and instituted detours to Hillside Road. North Main Street, alongside Routes 5 and 10, serves as one of the main roads into South Deerfield.

John Goggin, a MassDOT spokesperson, said the state will begin work at some point later this year.

“The project will proceed as a two-phased approach, with a demolition phase expected later this year,” Goggin wrote in a statement. “Pending field verification and measurements, MassDOT will later proceed with a bridge replacement project.”

Deerfield Planning and Economic Development Coordinator Alex Galloway explained the project is entirely managed by MassDOT, which means no direct money from the town will be spent.

Goggin noted a funding source for the project still needs to be identified, but the state is committed to finishing the bridge replacement.

“The project cost and funding source have not been finalized at this time,” Goggin said. “However, MassDOT remains committed to the replacement of this bridge.”

As the bridge remains closed until it is replaced, traffic coming from South Deerfield will continue to be detoured to Hillside Road, while traffic on the northern end of the street will be detoured to Routes 5 and 10 toward North Hillside Road.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.