The on-ramp for US Route 13 south onto the Salisbury Bypass is now closed.
Large cranes and work crews will now be repairing the road for the next three months.
WBOC reports that State Highway officials say closing the ramp over the next 90 days will make it safer for the workers and motorists.
If the ramp was not closed the state believes it would have taken six months for the repairs.
Officials emphasized that there was no problem with the span that was built in 1972.
But they added that work is expected to extend the life of the bridge for another 30 to 40 years.
