NAGS HEAD, N.C. (WAVY) – The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced they will start on a project to replace the pipes and to resurface the roadway on Whalebone Junction this upcoming Monday.

According to a release, contractors with NCDOT will replace crossline pipes and mill and resurface the roadway on US 158 between NC 12 and the Melvin Daniels Bridge on Oct. 7. This area is typically referred to as the Whalebone Junction.

The project is expected to be completed in two phases — the first to replace the pipes, and the second for milling and resurfacing the road.

During the first phase, expected to last two weeks, traffic on US 158 will be reduced to two lanes from East Gray Eagle Street through the Whalebone intersection. Motorists will also have to follow a detour onto East Gull Street. A traffic signal will temporarily be set up at the East Gull Street intersection.

For the second phase, expected to be finished by mid-November, single-lane closures will be in effect where resurfacing work will take place.

NCOT urges all motorists to use caution while the project is taking place and to follow all posted signs and signals and adhere to detour routes.