SOUTH PORTLAND – The right, southbound lane of the existing Veterans Memorial Bridge will be closed from 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 through 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The bridge connects Portland’s West End to South Portland over the Fore River off I-295. This closure is due to construction of the new Veterans Memorial Bridge, which began in July 2010.

This single lane closure will allow construction crews to safely accommodate work on the south abutment approach. Construction of the new bridge is on schedule and expected to open to traffic this summer, with the removal of the old bridge to be completed at the end of this year.

Commuters are advised to plan ahead and allow more time to get to your destination.

For more up travel information and progress reports, visit the project website at www.VeteransMemorialBridge.org.