PERU – Work by a state contractor to replace Arnold Bridge begins this week.

The bridge, about 300 feet from the intersection of Pleasant and Main streets, carries Pleasant Street traffic over Spears Stream.

Project plans by the Maine Department of Transportation include construction of a temporary one-lane bridge to carry alternating one-way traffic.

The existing bridge is to be replaced with a steel beam structure. New steel bridge railings and roadside guardrails are to also be installed, stated Catherine Metty, of the transportation department’s Bridge Program in a press release.

Travel lanes and one-foot shoulders on approaches to the bridge are to be re-paved.

Technical Construction Inc. of Turner was awarded the contract after placing a bid of just over $711,000, Metty added.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-October.