A major overhaul of the aging road leading to the Lincoln Tunnel will lead to some overnight construction closures over the next three years.

The Port Authority says 40 million vehicles a year use the Lincoln Tunnel Route 495 roadway approach, known as the helix.  The roadway is 74-years old and is nearing the end of its useful life.

The work actually started in March but the full project starts in August.

The construction will begin in the eastbound direction to New York.  Work in the westbound direction to New Jersey is expected to start next year and continue into 2014.

The Lincoln Tunnel will remain open during all of the construction but traffic will be diverted to surface streets leading to the tunnel during the overnight hours.

Helix Closures:

Phase I – Eastbound towards New York—August 2012-2013
Sunday: 1 a.m. until 9 a.m.
Sunday: 10:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Monday
Monday: 10:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Tuesday
Tuesday: 10:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Wednesday
Wednesday: 10:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday
Thursday: 10:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday
Friday: 11:59 p.m. until 8 a.m. Saturday

Weather permitting, work will continue through the winter.

Phase II – Westbound towards New Jersey—2013-2014
Sunday: 1 a.m. until 9 a.m.
Sunday: 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Monday
Monday: 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Tuesday
Tuesday: 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Wednesday
Wednesday: 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday
Thursday: 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday
Friday: 11:59 p.m. until 8 a.m. Saturday

The Port Authority says drivers who use the Lincoln Tunnel during those time periods should seek alternate routes and consider mass transit options such as PATH and NJ TRANSIT.

(Source: MyFoxNY)