A North Carolina Department of Transportation project has officially closed a portion of Ephesus Church Road until late December in Chapel Hill.

The closure of Ephesus Church between Longleaf Drive and Tinkerbell Road began on Tuesday. The work is to replace a pipe culvert, which is intended to “reduce the amount of water affecting the road and supporting ground around it to prevent washouts when heavy rains cause flooding in the area.”

Local traffic will continue to be able to access homes and businesses, according to officials. But vehicles will not be able to pass beyond the closure points on either side of the work.

A detour has been established using Pope Road, Old Chapel Hill Road, Mount Moriah Road and Fordham Boulevard.

There have also been several flagged stop signs installed near the road closure.

A pedestrian detour has also been established by the town.

Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools had several bus routes that are impacted by the closure.

Two Chapel Hill Transit stops on Ephesus at Tinkerbell East and Tinkerbell West have been closed during the work and two routes will implement detours.

The work is expected to last through December 22, weather permitting.