SANTA CLARA COUNTY (KRON) — Delays are expected for the next year on the Foothill Expressway as construction begins on the Loyola Bridge widening project in Santa Clara County.

Phase one of the project begins today as workers close the innermost lanes of both directions of the expressway to begin adding new foundations and bridge columns. Crews will close the outside lanes of the expressway in June to allow work to be done on new bridge abutments and retaining walls, county officials said.

The project will increase traffic lanes and allow a bike lane in each direction.  The whole project is expected to cost $3.4 million.

The project will also improve off ramps from the expressway and provide sidewalks to the neighborhood.