State transportation officials say repair work at a major central New Jersey bridge that was damaged by Tropical Storm Irene will hopefully start this spring.

Work on the Peddie Lake Bridge in Hightstown should take up to four months to complete.

The walls on the side of the bridge and its sidewalks were damaged by flooding when Irene hit the state in August. Crews also will repave the roadway on both sides of the bridge and also do some minor drainage work.

Because the bridge is within a historic district, officials say they will make sure the design and new outward appearance closely match its former appearance.