CSX Corp. has informed the N.C. Department of Transportation it needs to temporarily close a portion of N.C. 48 (Roanoke Avenue) to perform track maintenance.

The road will be closed in both directions at the railroad crossing near West Rock Papermill, starting at 9 a.m. Monday. The closure will last about three days, depending on the weather.

During the closure, a signed detour will have drivers using N.C. 46, I-95 and U.S. 158 to return to N.C. 48.

While the road is closed, an NCDOT contractor will work to improve the driving surface of N.C. 48 between the railroad crossing and the highway’s bridge over the Roanoke River, a distance of less than a mile. The contractor will mill, resurface and restripe the roadway, which will remain open but subject to intermittent lane closures under flagging operations.

“We are trying to get as much work done during this road closure to lessen the impact to traffic,” said Kristin Barnes, an NCDOT district engineer responsible for Halifax and Edgecombe counties.

The repaving work is expected to be completed by Wednesday. Transportation officials remind motorists to slow down in the work zone, watch signs for construction information, stay alert.