A portion of the 101 Freeway is slated to close for almost two days beginning Feb. 5, prompting officials to release alternative routes for drivers.

The Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering announced the 101 Freeway would be shut down for about 2.5 miles as crews prepared to demolish the historic Sixth Street Viaduct near downtown Los Angeles.

The closure will affect the 10 to 101 Freeways transition, up to the 5, 10, and 101 Freeways interchange just south of downtown Los Angeles.

LA Mayor's Office

The closure is expected to last about 40 hours, according to a news release from Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering.

Officials said last year that the bridge, built in 1932, would be demolished due to its erosion and the likelihood it could collapse during an earthquake. A new bridge is expected to replace Sixth Street bridge when it debuts in 2018.

Officials said the viaduct will be closed to all traffic by the end of January, and the demolition will take about nine months to complete.

“My main priorities are keeping Angelenos safe and doing everything possible to minimize inconveniences or confusion that may be caused by the closure,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement.

“We will do that by ensuring that detours are clearly marked, and working closely with LAPD and LAFD to maintain the highest standards of police and fire response throughout the weekend.”

The Bureau of Engineering released several detour routes and a map to help drivers during the temporary freeway closure.