UMATILLA COUNTY — Highway 37, also known as the Cold Springs Highway, will experience closures in northern Umatilla County during September and October.

The Oregon Department of Transportation will be repairing a bridge over the railroad tracks on the highway about a mile east of where it connects to Highway 730 outside of Hermiston.

ODOT is warning motorists to expect lane closures and 20-minute delays starting Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the railroad crossing bridge.

The highway will be fully closed there from Sept. 21 to Oct. 26, and additional lane closures may happen afterward until the work is completed around mid-November.

According to the news release by ODOT, during the full closure travelers will need to detour around the closed bridge using Highway 730, Highway 207, Highway 395 and Interstate 84.

Local roads in the area are not approved to handle the diverted highway traffic.

“ODOT appreciates your patience during this work and reminds travelers that traffic fines are double the amount in all work zones, at all times,” the news release stated.

According to a video about the project, the 68-year-old bridge needs “critical repairs” to keep it safe for traffic.

Problems with the bridge that will be addressed by the project include a deteriorating deck, cracks in the concrete and gaps between bridge beams and other support mechanisms, worn bridge bearings and side rails that don’t meet current safety standards.

The total project cost is estimated at $1,010,000.

“OR 37 is a key route through Umatilla County for local freight and farm/ranch related transport. The repairs will ensure the structure is safe and efficient for decades to come, and help protect the railroad that passes beneath it,” the ODOT website says.