The Blue Water Bridge international crossing in Port Huron, Michigan will be partially closed beginning April 1 for resurfacing and waterproof undercoating on its original span, likely leading to traffic backups between the U.S. and Canada.

Work on the bridge, co-owned by the state of Michigan and Blue Water Bridge Canada, is expected to be finished by July 1.

The original bridge, built in 1937, currently serves westbound traffic entering the United States. The eastbound portion of the bridge, built in 1997, will be used to accommodate both directions of international traffic throughout the project. Normally, it just handles eastbound traffic entering Canada.

Only one lane of traffic will be open in each direction across the bridge. Two lanes will be available in each direction as vehicles approach the toll plazas at each end of the span.

Limited lane availability during this project will prevent the use of a dedicated lane for NEXUS and F.A.S.T. vehicles, as well as buses, according to the Michigan DOT. Wide loads will be restricted to less than 11 feet.

Due to the longer wait times expected at the border, drivers are encouraged to travel at off-peak hours if possible, or travel south to use the international bridge or tunnel crossings in the Detroit/Windsor area.