The state Department of Transportation said it is starting work to replace and upgrade the bridge controls for the movable bridge on Route 156 over the Niantic River in East Lyme and Waterford.

To facilitate the work, there will be no bridge openings from Monday, Sept. 11, through Thursday, Sept. 14, according to DOT.

DOT said in a news release that the "existing 25-year old bridge control system needed replacement, due to its antiquated condition, recent failure and the inability to locate and procure replacement parts."

The new control system will incorporate an auxiliary drive backup system and the traffic gates will also be replaced to facilitate a future comprehensive project, DOT said.

The project is scheduled to be completed Nov. 30.

DOT said the contractor may have traffic lane restrictions on Route 156 eastbound and westbound, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting Nov. 1 through Nov. 21, and Nov. 27 through Nov. 30. A normal holiday restriction will apply for the period beginning on Nov. 22 through Nov. 26.