Topeka ? Kansas Turnpike Authority officials Tuesday unveiled plans for its biggest project ever — replacement of the double bridge in Lawrence over the Kansas River.

Construction on the estimated $140 million project is expected to start in May 2008, and will mean temporary inconveniences for drivers in and around Lawrence.

Starting in May 2008, there will be no westbound access to and from Plaza 202 — the west Lawrence interchange — for eight months. After that is finished, the east Lawrence interchange will be closed for eight months. Improvements are planned at both plazas.

“This project will be a challenge during construction but when it’s finished, it will better serve our customers and improve access between east and west Lawrence,” said KTA president and chief executive officer Michael Johnston.

Preparation work related to the project will start this month.

On Tuesday, the bridge that carries North Michigan Street over the Kansas Turnpike at milepost 202.2 will close for six months to eight months for reconstruction. When the Michigan Street project is complete, the Iowa Street bridge will close for similar reasons, also for six months to eight months.