The Pulaski Skyway will be closed in both directions this weekend for structural steel work as the rehabilitation of the 87-year-old bridge continues, state Department of Transportation officials said.

The closure begins at 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and the span that connects Jersey City with Kearny and Newark will be reopened at 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9.

Crews will jack the bridge and install temporary supports to replace critical structural steel members near the Broadway ramp in Jersey City, officials said. If work is completed early, the Skyway will reopen sooner.

Heavy congestion and delays are expected at Tonnelle Circle.

To avoid delays, the DOT is encouraging motorists to use the NJ Turnpike-Hudson County Extension to all destinations, including the Holland Tunnel, I-78, or to I-280/Route 7 and Route 1&9 Truck southbound. All other motorists will be directed to Route 1&9 Truck in both directions.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info or on the NJDOT Facebook page.