A heads up for drivers in the town of Cicero: Work to replace the South Bay Bridge over I-81 will begin soon.

Southbound traffic between East Pine Grove Road and along the bridge will be closed through Halloween starting February 24. The northbound lane will remain open.

Drivers will notice temporary traffic signals as they approach the bridge.

State transportation officials say the bridge will be demolished and replaced with a new, longer one that will accommodate the expansion of I-81.

The North Syracuse Central School District has several schools in the immediate area and is anticipating its impact.

The district’s transportation department has been working with the DOT and is making plans to reroute buses to ensure the least amount of disruption.

The department has also been in touch with the families of students known to be impacted by the closure.

Students and families are encouraged to plan ahead for delays when dropping off and picking up from Gillette Road Middle School, Cicero-North Syracuse High School and Cicero Elementary School.