(PALOS HEIGHTS) Construction started Wednesday morning on the Harlem Avenue bridge over the Cal-Sag Channel in southwest suburban Palos Heights and Worth, reducing traffic to a single lane.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers on the bridge every day for the duration of the project, according to a statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The closure times will exclude peak traffic hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

The closures are necessary for repairs and painting on the bridge, IDOT said. Motorists can expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes through the area. The bridge work is expected to be completed over the summer.