Drivers on the Massachusetts Turnpike should brace for significant delays due to a bridge replacement project in Newton and Weston, scheduled for two weekends in late May and June.

The closures will take place from 9 p.m. on May 30 to 5 a.m. on June 2, and again from 9 p.m. on June 20 to 5 a.m. on June 23, impacting all but one lane in both directions between exits 123 and 125.

Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver has warned that traffic could experience backups of two to three hours during these weekends if normal traffic volumes persist.

Typically, around 110,000 vehicles use this section of the Mass Pike on weekend days, making congestion a likely issue even under normal conditions.

The bridges, while currently safe, are aging and deteriorating, which necessitates the updates that will be carried out.

The construction involves demolishing the existing bridges and installing pre-fabricated bridge units, with the aim of completing work before the Monday morning rush.

To mitigate travel disruptions, free MBTA shuttle services will be available, connecting Framingham to Riverside and West Newton to Kenmore, with links to the Green Line.

Train services on the Worcester line will be suspended during the weekends due to the bridge work, with Amtrak service to Albany also impacted, necessitating bus replacements.

In addition to road closures, there will be a temporary shutdown of commuter rail services, as announced by the MBTA.

Gulliver expressed optimism about the project's execution, citing extensive preparations to ensure smooth operations despite anticipated disruptions.

Travelers heading to Logan Airport are advised to anticipate detours and take earlier shuttles to avoid traffic disruptions.

This bridge replacement project began in spring 2024 and is expected to last for approximately 4.5 years, addressing the aging infrastructure.