Starting Thursday, motorists on the entry ramp from M.L. King Boulevard to U.S. 27 north will have to stop at the top of the ramp before merging into traffic.

And drivers who want to exit U.S 27 north at Fourth Street will be redirected to a new and narrow exit ramp before crossing the Sixth Street overpass according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

The change will last about two months. It's part of the ongoing rebuilding of U.S. Highway 27 through downtown, TDOT spokeswoman Jennifer Flynn said.

To avoid congestion, Flynn recommended southbound drivers on U.S. 27 to use the M.L. King exit.

Drivers heading north are encouraged to take Broad or Market streets and access U.S. 27 at the Fourth Street on-ramp.

The speed limit will also be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph between Main and Fourth streets on U.S. 27 North.

The speed limit on U.S. 27 in the rest of the construction zone remains 45 MPH. Motorists should exercise caution when traveling through the construction zone and pay close attention to the signage posted.