State crews next week will begin replacing an H-1 Freeway pedestrian overpass that was destroyed after being hit by an oversized load atop a U.S. Army flatbed truck two months ago.

Two lanes of the freeway in the 'ewa-bound direction near 'Aiea will be closed from 9 p.m. to 3:15 a.m. beginning Monday night to allow a contractor to make preliminary repairs to the overpass, said Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa.

Drivers who use the H-1 Freeway in those times are asked to allow for extra time, he said.

During the week of Dec. 3, DOT officials are planning to close the entire freeway in the 'ewa-bound direction one night to allow the contractor to complete the repairs. During that night, a contractor will lift a new pre-cast section of the overpass into place, Ishikawa said.

The pedestrian overpass was damaged and demolished on Sept. 6, after the Army truck hit the structure, forcing the closure of the highway and creating one of the biggest traffic jams in Hawai'i history.

Costs of removing the old overpass and replacing it have been estimated at about $500,000. The military has indicated it will accept responsibility for the costs.