IRWINDALE, Calif. (CNS) — It was a rough morning for motorists on the Foothill (210) Freeway in Irwindale Thursday, the first full day of a five-day closure on the westbound side of the roadway.

The 210 Freeway resembled more of a parking lot for much of the morning as commuters dealt with the closure, which pushed all westbound motorists onto the eastbound side of the freeway, which was realigned to accommodate three lanes of traffic in each direction.

The closure took effect at 11 p.m. Wednesday on the westbound freeway between Irwindale Avenue and the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway. The reconfiguration will continue through 4 a.m. Tuesday.

The closure will accommodate upgrades being made on the San Gabriel River Bridge.

Caltrans warned motorists to expect delays and consider alternate routes, such as the 10 or 60 freeways, or public transportation on the Metro L Line (Gold) or Metrolink.

According to the agency, the closure is part of a $30 million project to upgrade the San Gabriel River Bridge by installing improved bridge hinges and railings and strengthening bridge decks.

In addition to closing the westbound side of the freeway, ramps from the westbound 210 to Irwindale Avenue and to the southbound 605 Freeway were also closed. Ramps from the 605 Freeway to the eastbound 210 Freeway were blocked as well.

A second five-day closure on the eastbound side of the freeway is being planned for August.