Pulaski Skyway closed in both directions until 5 p.m. Saturday for maintenance work

JERSEY CITY (WABC) -- A commuter alert for drivers in New Jersey: The Pulaski Skyway is closed in both directions through 5 p.m. Saturday.

The span linking Jersey City and Newark shut down at 2 a.m.

It is the first of several weekend closures through the end of August so crews can perform maintenance work on the bridge.

The Pulaski Skyway was closed southbound at the off-ramp to I-280/Route 7 and Route 1&9 southbound.

The full closure includes most on and off ramps, including the southbound on ramp from Tonnele Circle.

The ramp from the Skyway to I-280/Route 7 and Route 1&9 southbound will remain open.

Work during the upcoming weekends will include to the installation of deck panels and grouting, the installation of the new balustrade other construction activities.

The following detours will be in place:

Southbound Traffic (toward Newark):

Leaving the Holland Tunnel, motorists will have the following options:

Stay to the far right and take the NJ Turnpike-Hudson County Extension to all destinations west and south, including I-78

Stay to the left and follow signs for Route 139 West, then stay left to Route 1&9 Truck southbound towards Newark, Route 7 and I-280

Motorists should avoid the ramp from Route 139/Covered Roadway that leads into the Tonnele Circle because of expected heavy congestion

Local Traffic for Jersey City:

Stay to the middle to take Route 139 Upper Roadway and follow signs to Kennedy Boulevard/Jersey City, to best access many local Jersey City locations and other points north (Secaucus)

Northbound Traffic (toward Jersey City):

Northbound traffic will continue to utilize the same Skyway alternate routes that have been in effect since the northbound lanes were closed last year:

NJ Turnpike-Hudson County Extension

Route 1&9 Truck northbound

Communipaw Avenue to access local Jersey City Locations