Work began Wednesday on the University Avenue bridge on the University of Mississippi campus.

The bridge will be partially closed to traffic as crews increase the bridge’s load capacity in preparation for additional traffic next summer due to the roundabout being built on Chucky Mullins Drive.

One lane of traffic on the bridge will remain open in each direction to pedestrians and vehicles during the construction project.

During construction on the bridge from July 6 to Aug. 20, Gertrude Ford Boulevard will be completely closed beneath the bridge.

Closure barricades have been placed southbound at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts parking lot and northbound at the Ole Miss Athletics building parking lot.

Officials hope to complete construction by the first week of September.