Drivers along N.C. 87 through Dublin can expect even more headaches and delays starting Sunday.

Replacement of a culvert and other work at the northern town limits will force the closing of N.C. 87, according to Dublin Public Works Director Joey Dockery. The closure will be near Hursey's cabinet shop.

Traffic will be rerouted along Owen Hill Road for around 90 days.

"It's one of those things we'll have to deal with," Dockery said. "This is a big project, and people are going to see detours from time to time."

The closure was originally set for June 11, but contractors pushed the date back to allow weekend beach traffic to clear before work begins.

Traffic entering town from the south will be rerouted along Lyon's Landing Road and out to Owen Hill, Dockery said. Travelers from the northwest end of the highway will be detoured at the intersection of Owen Hill and N.C. 87.

The section between the detour and the town limits will be open only to local traffic.

Dockery said drivers should be aware of heavy equipment all along the route, and should plan on occasional delays. Work will be ongoing on both sides of the detour, Dockery said, including along N.C. 87 in downtown Dublin.

"It's going to be tough for a while," Dockery said.

The four-lane project is expected to be completed in 2007.

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