If you drive over the Chain Bridge on a regular basis, take note that delays are headed your way.

The District Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin an eight month project on June 1 to repair and repaint the Chain Bridge. The work is anticipated to be completed in January, 2010.

Over the course of the entire project, one of the two inbound lanes will be closed. A single lane in each direction will be open at all times on weekdays, but delays should be expected and drivers are being advised to use alternate routes, especially during peak hours.

At some points, the work will require all lanes to close on non-holiday weekends between 10 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday. DDOT says it will post any closure notices for drivers 72 hours in advance.

The current Chain Bridge carries close to 22,000 cars a day and the last major rehabilitation of the bridge was done in the early 1980s. The bridge itself was completed in 1939.