BALTIMORE (WJZ) — If you’re planning to hit the road this weekend, your trip could be delayed. There’s a $5 million project set to start Friday near the Harbor Tunnel Toll Plaza.

Rochelle Ritchie has more on the expected slowdown at the steel bridge.

On a daily basis, 71,000 drivers take Interstate 895 through the Harbor Tunnel and across the steel bridge. Come this weekend, traffic could come to a halt.

“The delays at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel during this period of time could be up to an hour,” said Cheryl Sparks, Maryland Transportation Authority. 

The steel bridge construction project is moving full speed ahead into phase three, which involves replacing worn out concrete on the bridge. Only one lane will be open in each direction, and that equals delays.

“We do expect to have extensive backups,” Sparks said.

“We’re suggesting to use Key Bridge I-695 as an alternate route,” said John Sales, Maryland Transportation Authority.

The one lane of traffic will operate for two weeks. Delays are expected during the morning and evening rush hours, and backups could go as far as four miles.

“Baltimore traffic is already kind of congested there,” said trucker Lynwood Anderson.

The repairs are costing almost $5 million and are funded by toll revenue which has increased by $1 in the last year.

Most of the bridge is expected to be done by Labor Day weekend.