JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- One of Jacksonville's oldest and busiest stretches of interstate highway will be torn down and rebuilt over the next few years, according to plans by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The two-mile elevated portion of Interstate 95 south of the Fuller Warren Bridge is set to be replaced because of structural deterioration.

"Right now, it's safe, but whether or not we could say that years from now is debatable," FDOT spokesman Mike Goldman said.

Replacing the stretch -- officially called the Overland Bridge -- will cost an estimated $135 million -- one of the costliest construction projects currently pending for the FDOT. The highway is 10 lanes wide in places, including the ramps to the Main Street and Acosta bridges.

Transportation worker said work on the replacement should begin in fiscal year 2011-12 -- about the time the I-95, I-10 interchange is completed just north of the river is completed.

The project will disrupt traffic on I-95 from north of Palm Avenue to south of San Diego Road -- over Hendricks, King and Montana avenues -- for an estimated five years.

The FDOT is holding a public hearing to discuss a project Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the San Marco Library/Balis Community Center, 1513 LaSalle Street.

The public hearing will include the results of a project development and environmental study and recommendations from the FDOT to replace the raised section of I-95.

The project limits are from 1,200 feet south of San Diego Road to 200 feet north of Palm Avenue and spans Hendricks, Kings and Montana avenues in downtown Jacksonville. The overpass/bridge is proposed for replacement due to structural deterioration which is causing the need for frequent repairs.

Those unable to attend Monday's public hearing, comments can be mailed to the FDOT's project manager Brandi Vittur, 1109 South Marion Avenue, Lake City, FL 32025-5874 or by e-mail to brandi.vittur@dot.state.fl.us.