The first phase of a project that may cause headaches for motorists next weekend starts Monday, as the flyover bridge from Interstate 90 to Oakland Place Northeast is scheduled to close.

The closure of the bridge, which leads west bound I-90 traffic above the interstate to Oakland Place Nort­heast along East Side Lake, is just the first step of the project to replace the bridge.

More complex traffic patterns will ensue next weekend when the bridge is torn down.

Turn 1: North on Highway 218 (Exit 77)

Turn 2: Turn right at Highway 30 and drive east

Turn 3: Turn right at Highway 56 and proceed south to I-90

Starting at 7 p.m. March 26, both eastbound lanes on I-90 will be closed through Austin from Highway 218 North to Highway 218 South/21st Street. East bound traffic is scheduled to re-open at 5 p.m. March 29.

The closure is needed to ensure motorist safety during the removal of the flyover bridge connecting westbound, according to a Minnesota Department of Transportation press release.

During the closure, eastbound traffic will be led on a 45-mile detour north through Blooming Prairie, then east Hayfield and then back south to I-90. According to a MnDOT press release, the route was selected to ensure a detour route is maintained through the area in the event of a flood. Local traffic will still be able to access eastbound I-90 using the ramp at Oakland Place Northeast, which will remain open during the weekend.

Westbound traffic will be directed around the bridge demolition via the entrance ramp at Highway 218 South/21st Street.

The bridge replacement is part of the $12.8 million “Bridges of Mower County” bridges of Mower County. The project aims to replace four bridges in two years. Lunda Construction Co. is the main contractor for the project.