CORNISH, N.H. (AP) The New Hampshire Department of Transportation hopes to start work next year on a project to eliminate erosion around supports of a historic covered bridge connecting the state to Vermont.

The Eagle Times reports state officials met with the Cornish Selectboard and residents during a public hearing on the $2 million project.

Officials say the flood-related erosion, known as scour, is critical at the 149-year-old Cornish-Windsor Bridge.

The project calls for the removal of vegetation around the abutment on the New Hampshire side. It would be replaced with stone to create a smooth surface on the downstream side. The Vermont abutment will receive the same treatment, but on the upstream side.

Officials hope to start the project in September 2016.