FALMOUTH — A bridge in Falmouth will be closed for periods of time this week to allow for the off loading of steel beams that are being used to construct a new bridge.

Mark Latti, a spokesman for the Maine Department of Transportation, said the closures on the Route 26/100 bridge in Falmouth will last about 15 minutes and should occur no more than twice a day. The closures will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Latti said the Railroad Crossing Bridge carries traffic over the Presumpscot River and the Pan Am railroad line near the Falmouth and Portland border.

The Railroad Crossing Bridge was built in 1932 and is 834 feet long. A replacement bridge is being built downstream for $10.5 million. Once the new bridge opens in the Fall, the old bridge will be removed.