The east and westbound lanes of Interstate 20 across the Mississippi River Bridge at Vicksburg will experience lane closures from May 1 through May 21 for construction, according to information from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

The lane closures will allow contractors to make structural repairs to the bridge.

LOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan said the work is related to some finger joint adjustments that were made late last year that allow for greater movement of the bridge itself as it expands and contracts to temperature changes. Workers be replacing some bronze bearings near the top of the bridge, as well as some small repairs on the walkway under the structure.

“As the bridge moves naturally, repairs on various parts of the structure are necessary and we monitor those needs on a regular basis,” she said.