Starting Thursday there will be intermittent lane closures on I-49 just south of the Coushatta exit. They’re preparing for the movement of a large crane later this summer.

The state highway department says the lane closures will be in both the north and south directions beginning May 4th. The closures are expected to last about 5 days.

The work is to prepare the Interstate to withstand the heavy weight of a coal-mine crane. It is to be moved from the east side of I-49 to the west.

Earlier the transportation department said the movement of the crane would be later this summer and would require I-49 to be completely closed for a time. The movement is to take place at night and notice will be sent out in advance.