Work on the railroad trestle that spans N.C. in Pinehurst appears to be off to a smooth start.

Construction crews began the maintenance work on the trestle Sunday despite intense heat. The project should be completed by this Sunday.

Capt. Floyd Thomas of the Pinehurst Police Department said no problems had been reported Monday.

"So far, we haven't heard of anything," Thomas said.

Traffic appeared to be moving steadily through the detour route along the Pinehurst Traffic Circle and N.C. 211, though there were some backups.

There will be an additional road closing in the village, according to Thomas.

The Pinehurst Police Department was also notified this week by the Moore County Public Utilities Division (MCPUD) that a block of McKenzie Road West from N.C. 5 to Ritter Road would be closed to replace sewer mains in that area. Work began Tuesday and could last into today.

The work is part of the McKenzie Road Sewer Project, which is unrelated to the current railroad maintenance.

Thomas said motorists should use Ritter Road to get around the work zone.

Contact John Krahnert at 693-2478 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot