Motorists traveling on the Saw Mill River Parkway can expect delays for as long as a month as construction crews complete contracting work on area bridges.

The New York State Department of Transportation has issued an alert to motorists, advising that construction on the bridges carrying the Saw Mill River Parkway over the Saw Mill River is expected to begin on Monday, Sept. 18, lasting into November.

During construction, the Saw Mill River Parkway will see lane reductions between Mountain Road and Van Wart Street in Greenburgh. The lane reduction will last into November, when traffic will then be returned to its normal pattern.

According to officials, the construction will also necessitate the full closure of the northbound New York State Thruway (Interstate 87) exit ramp to the northbound Saw Mill River Parkway, requiring a detour to be implemented. That closure is expected to begin on Dec. 1, with the ramp scheduled to reopen in May next year.

Drivers have been asked to exercise extra caution when traveling through those areas, and to follow all posted signage, detours and flaggers directing traffic.

PAUL FEINER