SALISBURY – N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will close two of four north- and southbound lanes along Interstate 85 between Mile Markers 80 and 86 while they do warranty repairs along the Yadkin River Bridge in Rowan County.

Alternating lanes will be closed starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Lanes will reopen by 3 p.m. Friday, weather permitting.

Additional lane closures may be scheduled through April 20, with no weekend closures.

“Lane closures will be in place primarily so that when crews finish repairing the concrete roadway joints, cracks and chipped areas, the concrete itself can ‘cure’ and dry properly, which means no vehicles can drive in these closed lanes,” said Pat Ivey, DOT Division 9 engineer.

While the highway will not be completely closed, crews work alongside traffic at times. Drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone, watch signs for construction information, and obey the posted speed limit.