The northbound lane of Clarks Bridge Road will be closed at the bridge starting at 1 today as crews pour the eighth of 12 caissons for the new bridge over Lake Lanier.

The closure should last until about 4 p.m., depending on weather. A flagger will direct traffic across the bridge.

The new bridge, set to be finished Dec. 31, 2015, will feature 12-foot-wide lanes and 8-foot-wide shoulders for cycling in either direction. The $8.7 million project also calls for a pedestrian tunnel under Clarks Bridge Road at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center.

The existing bridge was built in 1958 and does not meet current design standards.

E.R. Snell Contractor Inc. of Snellville is contracted to do the work.