Drivers who use Interstate 44 might want to take alternate routes this weekend, Sept. 13-16, as the Missouri Department of Transportation closes it to work on the Watson Road bridge.

This work, which includes bridge girder painting, will allow crews to accelerate construction enough to be able to open the bridge by the end of September, one month early.

Crews will start closing all lanes of eastbound and westbound I-44 between I-270 and Geyer Road starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, with all lanes closed by 8 p.m.

All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16.

During the interstate closure, drivers will still be able to get from I-44 to I-270 in both directions, as well as to eastbound Watson Road (Route 366). Eastbound I-44 drivers wanting to continue east on I-44 can take exit 277A to Watson Road, turn onto Lindbergh, and take Lindbergh back to eastbound I-44. Westbound I-44 drivers wanting to continue west on I-44 will need to take the I-270 exit (exit 276) and use the westbound I-44 ramp (after the bridge) to continue on westbound I-44. These detours are similar to the ones used during the bridge demolition earlier this summer.