Expect detours, delays: Section of I-41/US-45 to temporarily close in both directions starting Friday night

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- If you're heading out this weekend, you might want to double check your route.

The I-41/US-45 from Watertown Plank Road to Burleigh Street will be temporarily closed in both directions starting on Friday, Jan. 14 at 11 p.m. and lasting through Monday at 5 a.m.

Crews will use the time to demolish and remove the old Pacific Union Railroad Bridge.

"The original structure, which was built in the early 50s, just is not giving us enough space to adequately get the lanes moved over," Wisconsin Department of Transportation Southeastern Regional Communications Manager Michael Pyritz said.

The bridge removal is part of the Zoo Interchange Project, which will eventually add lanes to the highway corridor.

In the meantime, they're asking drivers to be patient.

"We're going to see some delays," Pyritz said. "We're anticipating the worst of it probably Saturday, maybe 10 a.m. to 4 p.m."

CJ Richardson, a DoorDash driver, is already thinking ahead.

"I do it a lot on the weekends. So, I kind of have to find a different route, delay people's orders," Richardson said.

For him, delays can be costly.

"Probably like $10 to $15, but it accumulates over time," Richardson said.

Posted detours will direct drivers to take Highway 100 in both directions instead this weekend.

"If you don't have to go through the area, we would maybe ask that you consider a different route, or a different time that you can travel," Pyritz said. 

Crews will also use the time to prepare additional work that will be done in 2022.