Officials are alerting drivers to prepare for significant delays on the Massachusetts Turnpike near Interstate 95 in the Newton and Weston area due to a bridge replacement project slated for two weekends in June.

The project focuses on replacing a bridge that carries the Turnpike over MBTA Commuter Rail tracks, necessitating lane closures and service adjustments. From 9 p.m. on Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, June 2, and again from June 20-23 during the same hours, all but one lane will be closed in both directions between exits 123 and 125, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced.

Jonathan Gulliver, highway administrator for MassDOT, described the upcoming work as "one of the most significant impacts that is going to be going on this construction season."

"We are going to be doing a really brief, but intense, period of construction over this weekend to get this work done," Gulliver said, emphasizing the project's urgency.

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble urged drivers to "Be patient. Relax out there. It's going to be stressful for everybody," and advised commuters to "Give yourself plenty of time."

During the construction period, zipper lanes will be implemented, reducing the highway to a single lane in each direction. State transportation officials are strongly encouraging motorists to avoid this section of I-90 to ease congestion, hoping to reduce traffic volume by 50 percent from the usual 100,000 vehicles daily.

"This is going to be a very intense period, and it will cause some traffic impacts," Gulliver said.

He acknowledged the challenge of local events and travelers needing access to Boston Logan International Airport, warning that without avoiding the area, drivers could face delays up to three hours.

"With 100% normal traffic we could see delays of three hours. We don't want that. We're asking those who don't have to travel through here to really stay off the roadway this weekend," Gulliver said.

He reiterated the need for extra travel time for anyone using the Turnpike to enter or leave Boston.

"This is going to be a very intense period," Gulliver added. "It will be very brief pain, but it will cause some intense pain when it happens."

The bridge replacement will also affect MBTA Commuter Rail service. While trains will continue running from Worcester to Framingham, shuttle buses will replace train service between Framingham and Boston, according to MBTA Executive Director of Commuter Rail Michael Muller.

The bridge replacement project is part of the larger $230 million I-90/I-95 Interchange overhaul, which includes rehabilitation of eight bridges and replacement of five. The current work involves demolishing the existing bridge, installing pre-fabricated bridge sections, and completing construction before the Monday morning rush hour.

Officials emphasize that the overnight nature of the closures aims to minimize daytime disruption but acknowledge the intense weekend impact on traffic and commuters.

Originally reported by Thea DiGiammerino in NBC Boston.