AUBURN — The replacement of the Littlefields Bridge spanning the Little Androscoggin River will force the closure of Hotel Road for about 45 days beginning Monday, July 29, according to a news release from the Maine Department of Transportation.

Signs will help guide motorists along the 8-mile detour that will be in place starting in the early morning hours of July 29.

The portion of Hotel Road that will be closed is limited to the bridge that carries traffic over the Little Androscoggin River. All other parts of Hotel Road will be accessible.

It is anticipated the bridge will open for motorists by the middle of September.

This $2.1 million bridge replacement project is being performed by Wyman & Simpson of Richmond.