TOPSHAM — The Frank J. Wood Bridge connecting Brunswick and Topsham will be closed to northbound traffic most of the day Monday through May 23 for a safety inspection, according to an announcement by the Maine Department of Transportation.

A safety inspection of the span, also known as the “green bridge,” is scheduled to take place between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each of the three days.

During that time, northbound motorists (heading toward Topsham) on Route 201 and Route 24 will be detoured to Route 1 east to Route 196 via the Coastal Connector.

Southbound traffic will be allowed on the bridge. Traffic will be reopened to both lanes after 8 p.m.

“This routine inspection of the Frank J. Wood Bridge, spanning the Androscoggin River, is part of a biannual bridge safety inspection on truss style bridges throughout the state,” the release states.

“We understand that closing the bridge to northbound traffic is an inconvenience,” Brunswick Deputy Police Chief Marc Hagan said Tuesday. “In the past, however, this detour to the Coastal Connector has not been a serious issue to the traveling public. With construction already under way on Maine Street and Federal Street, congestion may be slightly more troublesome. As always, we are asking motorists for patience, and to plan ahead by leaving for any appointments or work a few minutes earlier.”

Christopher Lewis, Topsham’s interim police chief, said Tuesday that, “I don’t anticipate any difficulties on our side,” as a result of the lane closure.

The first day commuters will learn the detour route, and Lewis expects traffic flow might be a bit slower than usual.

The Black Bridge spanning the Androscoggin River between Topsham and Brunswick closed in April 2011, so Lewis noted that commuters have already dealt with that closure and the need to find an alternate route from Brunswick to Topsham, which he believes will contribute to a smoother transition starting Monday morning.

Staff writer Beth Brogan contributed to this report.

dfishell@timesrecord.com