Norwich — The northbound lane of state Route 12 is closed between Winchester and Talman streets as crews work to replace a pole, police said.

According to Lt. James Veiga, crews had been working on the replacement since around 3 p.m., but once darkness fell, vehicles driving by started coming dangerously close to the workers on scene.

Veiga called the replacement a "private job" and said he didn't know what caused the need for it.

A detour currently is in place.

State Department of Transportation officials estimated at 9:30 p.m. the closure would last for four hours or less.