MT. AIRY — The Department of Transportation and Development is closing River Road .5 miles east of Louisiana 3213 to a point 2.2 miles west of Louisiana 54 on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday.

Motorists traveling on Louisiana 44 will be unable to access Veterans Memorial Bridge during this time.

The closure is necessary for Noranda Alumnia to create a safety zone around a pipeline that crosses Louisiana 44.

Alternate routes are available.

Motorists should detour Louisiana 44 to Louisiana 3213 and then Airline Highway to Louisiana 54 and then Louisiana 44 or Louisiana 44 to Louisiana 54 then Louisiana 61 to Louisiana 3213.

Transportation department officials stressed local motorists drive with caution through the work site and be on the lookout for work crews and equipment.