FAYETTEVILLE — For the next three months, the road leading to Fort Bragg will look more like a war zone. Crews will tear up Bragg Boulevard for a repaving project and in turn, tie up traffic on one of Fayetteville's busiest roads.

While the goal is to resurface Bragg Boulevard, some rough times lie ahead for motorists.

"I appreciate they are trying to help us out, but the sooner they get it done, the better," says motorist Regina Locust.

This week, crews began a long-awaited $3.5 million repaving project. More than nine miles of new asphalt will hit the street between downtown Fayetteville and Spring Lake.

For the next three months, lanes will be closed.

"When we are milling, we cut loop detectors underground, so it affects signs as well. There may be tie-ups at intersections," says project engineer Ron Pompey.

Nearby residents say an estimated 15-minute delay is worth the wait.

"My husband has an SUV, and when we drive his vehicle down this road, he had to hold on with both hands because it's in such poor condition," says Fayetteville resident Cathy Ramos. "I look forward to money I'll save on tires and front end alignments."

The average lifespan for a street is 10 years. With more than 28,000 vehicles traveling on Bragg Boulevard, the street is 13 years old.

"I'm sure the outcome will be great, but there's going to be pain in the process, and it's going to be bad," says Sgt. Rick Donkel.

Once the Bragg Boulevard repaving is finished, crews will start a similar project on the All-American Freeway. The project on the freeway should be finished in December.