WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- It could be a trying time next week for drivers traveling along Route 11 or those trying to go in and out of Fort Drum. Work on I-781, better known as the Fort Drum Connector Road, will take place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day, causing traffic delays.

Structural beams are being put into place for the nearly 200 foot long bridge over Route 11. The bridge is one of the last major hurdles for DOT crews as they work to complete the four mile long extension of Interstate 81.

Beams still need to be brought in for another bridge over Route 37.

The Department of Transportation hopes to complete the connector road by late summer, but some work will likely continue into the fall.

“We’re hoping for substantial completion by the end of the summer into the fall, but you’re still going to see construction activities going on late into the fall, trim work, seeding signs, guard rails, that stuff typically takes place at the end, anyway, it’s going to be an active season,” DOT Spokesperson Michael Flick said.

Another large scale project which will continue throughout the summer will be the resurfacing of Interstate 81 from Watertown to the Oswego County line. Traffic will be reduced to one lane along the 22 mile stretch.