GAINESVILLE — With construction under way on Interstate 985’s Exit 22, the Georgia Department of Transportation said several lanes will be closed through the end of the week.

"On (U.S. 129) westbound, the left turn lane onto I-985 north will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as crews install pipe," said DOT spokeswoman Teri Pope. "You will be able to use the northbound entrance ramp from U.S. 129 by turning left from the left or inside lane of U.S. 129."

Pope said the inside or left lane of both eastbound and westbound U.S. 129 will be closed around the north entrance ramp as well.

"Delays are expected along U.S. 129 as this work occurs, so please avoid the area if you can," she said. "Work will continue all week as weather permits."

The closures are part of an Exit 22 "makeover," Pope said.

The project will include the construction of dual left turn lanes from U.S. 129 to the northbound entrance ramp of I-985, dual left turn lanes on the Exit 22 ramp headed into Gainesville and a traffic signal at the ramps to and from I-985 south.

The overall projected completion date is July 31, with a cost of more than $1.64 million.