A detour on Route 617 (North River Road) in Mathews, originally planned to begin in late April but delayed because of wet weather, began last week.

Motorists traveling on Route 617 will be detoured around the Route 617 Drainage and Trench Widening Project. The detour is expected to remain in place for approximately two more weeks, said Tina Bundy, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Transportation.

During the scheduled detour, the contractor will replace and upgrade multiple pipe crossings on Route 617. Also, Bundy said the contractor will perform other work in connection with the project while traffic is being detoured.

Through traffic on Route 617, from just north of Route 618 (Cardinal Road) to Route 654 (Gum Springs Road), will use the following 4.3-mile detour: From Route 14 take Route 660 (East River Road) to Route 618 back to Route 617.

Access to homes located in the work zone will be maintained during the detour period. Once the pipe work is completed, Bundy...