AUSTIN, TX — Texas Department of Transportation officials will temporarily close Interstate 35 main lanes to traffic this weekend to accommodate bridge demolition.

The closure begins Friday, July 27, from 10 p.m. until 9 a.m. and on Saturday, July 28, from 11 p.m. until 10 a.m. for the demolition of the William Cannon bridge, TxDot officials said. During the closure, I-35 main lane traffic will be detoured to the north and southbound frontage roads at Exit 228. Eastbound and westbound traffic along William Cannon Drive will be detoured south to Slaughter Lane or north to Stassney Lane. Alternate exit options are available, and drivers are encouraged to exit early to seek other routes during the closure as delays are expected, transportation officials said.

As part of the Mobility35 improvements from Stassney Lane to William Cannon Drive, lanes are being closed to allow crews to demolish the south side of the existing William Cannon Drive bridge, officials said. Traffic will be shifted north to the newly constructed portion of the bridge, while the south portion is reconstructed, TxDot officials added in their press advisory. In advance of the demolition, the north to southbound U-turn bridge at Stassney Lane will open to traffic on Thursday, July 26, according to TxDot.

Related story: Know Your Austin Road Closures This Weekend: July 27-29, 2018 Road signs have been placed to alert drivers of the upcoming closures. TxDOT asks the traveling public to adhere to construction signage and remain aware when traveling through the work zone.

"The I-35 from Stassney Lane to William Cannon Drive project will bring improvements to mobility, safety, and connectivity for all modes of transportation," TxDot officials wrote. "These include improved entrance/exit ramps, reconstruction of the Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive bridges, adding U-turn lanes, and bicycle and pedestrian enhancements. Work on the $79 million project is expected to be complete in winter of 2020."

To learn more about this project and recommended detour routes, visit My35Construction.org.