A busy stretch of I-395 will close this weekend, the Maine Department of Transportation announced on Monday.

On April 26, Maine DOT officials announced a plan to replace the Webster Ave. Bridge and close I-395 to all traffic between Exits 1 and 2.

The department said the bridge replacement project would begin either May 6, 13 or 20, with the official start date hinging on the weather forecast.

On Monday, S.E. MacMillan Co., the contractor, informed the DOT that construction will begin Friday, May 6.

While construction is underway, drivers who want to get from I-95 to I-395 eastbound will take Exit 180 to Coldbrook Road and then turn onto Route 202 to hook up with I-395.

Drivers trying to get from I-395 to I-95 will take Exit 2 to Route 202 and then take Coldbrook Road to I-95.

The bridge will close at 8 p.m. and reopen the following Tuesday at 7 a.m.

"We are aiming to complete this project in just 83 hours - less than four days total," DOT officials said in a news release. "During that narrow window, we are asking travelers to take their time, drive safely and help make this weekend challenge pass smoothly and easily for everyone."

The bridge project is unrelated to this summer's I-395 paving protect.

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