A stretch of Interstate 94 in Detroit is set to close for construction this weekend as Little Caesars Arena hosts the first two rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament.

Weather permitting, I-94 will close in both directions east of I-75 to Conner Avenue for demolition of overpasses at Gratiot Avenue and Chene Street, according to a statement from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

"In addition to the bridge demolition, crews will be deployed for detailed inspections on other bridges, pavement repair, and utility work within the closure limits," MDOT announced.

"The closure begins at 9 p.m. Friday (March 16) and ends by 5 a.m. Monday (March 19)."

MDOT recommends the following alternate routes for fans heading to Little Caesars Arena for the NCAA basketball tournament, or downtown for St. Patrick's Day festivities:

For drivers

Drivers on

Post-game options

In southwest Detroit