SOUTH PORTLAND — The Route 1 ramp which leads onto the existing Veterans Memorial Bridge will be closed from Monday, April 16, until Friday, May 4, the Maine Department of Transportation said.

The closure will allow construction crews to work on the southern approach to the new Veterans Memorial Bridge, MDOT said.

The I-295 northbound exit 4 off ramp, which also leads to the Veterans Memorial Bridge, will also be closed intermittently during off-peak hours, which are from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., MDOT said.

Detour signs to Route 1 drivers around the construction area will be posted

The agency said that construction of the new bridge is on schedule and expected to open to traffic this summer. The old bridge is scheduled to be removed by the end of the year, MDOT said.