The Texas Department of Transportation will shut down north and southbound I-35 at Oltorf St. for several nights this week while crews and cranes lift and place large beams for a new Oltorf St. bridge.

According to a recent press release, the I-35 main lanes will be closed and traffic detoured to the frontage roads at exit 232A (Oltorf St.) beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, with full main lane closures from 11 p.m.- 5 a.m., Mon.-Thu., Oct. 23-26, weather permitting.

The closure will affect northbound motorists Monday and Tuesday nights, and southbound motorists Wednesday and Thursday nights.

In addition, both directions of Oltorf St. over I-35 will close at 8 p.m. Mon.-Thu. Drivers wishing to cross I-35 at Oltorf St. during the closure will be detoured to Woodward St. and Woodland Ave. The I-35 main lanes and Oltorf St. will reopen as work is completed.

Road signs have been placed to alert drivers of the closure. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes, as delays are expected. TxDOT asks the traveling public to be patient and remain aware when traveling through the work zone.

The I-35 at Oltorf St. project will improve mobility, safety, and connectivity for all modes of transportation along and across I-35, the release stated. Work includes improving entrance/exit ramps and lanes, adding U-turn lanes at the Oltorf St. bridge, and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian features.

Work on the $40 million project is expected to continue through spring 2019, weather permitting, TxDOT said.