Major construction work is getting underway today, Monday, September 7, on the Delaware Memorial Bridge, bringing significant lane restrictions for motorists traveling into New Jersey.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority says crews are beginning preparations for a major joint replacement project on the New Jersey-bound span. Once the new traffic pattern is established, the two right lanes of the northbound span will remain closed around the clock through November 24.

Crews will replace 46 bridge joints as part of the project. The two left New Jersey-bound lanes will remain open, while an additional barrier-separated, cars-only lane will eventually carry New Jersey-bound traffic on the Delaware-bound span. That bypass will be available only to passenger vehicles headed toward the New Jersey Turnpike or Route 40.

Additional nighttime closures are scheduled this week while crews establish the temporary traffic configuration. Drivers using the bridge should expect possible delays and allow extra travel time throughout the construction period.