FRANKLIN—The Virginia Department of Transportation’s plans to widen a .62-mile portion of Hunterdale Road will result in a year-long detour of the area.

The detour for the $2.8 million project, which should begin as early as December 2013, has not been established, said Brooke Grow, a spokeswoman for VDOT’s Public Affairs Department in Suffolk.

“This will be a safety improvement project in the sense that it will widen the lane and shoulder width,” Grow said Friday.

The project will begin at Business Route 58, also known as Clay Street, and end at Old Sedley Road.

“Currently this stretch of roadway doesn’t have any shoulders,” she said. “The new shoulders will also be able to accommodate bicyclists.”

Bids will be sought in December 2013.

“As soon as the bids come back, they’re hoping to begin construction. It just depends on the crews awarded the project,” Grow said. “If we have snow and seriously cold temperatures (it could delay construction).”

After consulting with local officials, VDOT felt it was best to close the roadway during construction, she said.

“Putting the detour in place does not anticipate to cause any issues,” Grow said.

The project is fully funded.

“It’s been in the works,” she said. “It’s just been a matter of getting the funding. It will be moving forward.”