Workers install new beams spanning the Kansas Turnpike’s eastbound lanes over U.S. Highway 59 on Thursday in North Lawrence.

Travel along U.S. Highway 59/North Third Street in Lawrence has been slow since April 5, but it was especially slow Wednesday and Thursday as construction on a Kansas Turnpike bridge continued.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers briefly stopped traffic in both directions as 11 large steel beams were hoisted by a crane into place above the street.

Kansas Turnpike Authority spokesman Rex Fleming said the traffic stops lasted on average 10 minutes each time a beam was lifted.

Project coordinators worked until 3 p.m. each day to avoid serious delays for drivers during peak hours for travel in the area.

The beam installation is part of a larger project to replace dual bridges over the Kansas River and reconstruct the East Lawrence interchange on Interstate 70.

The bridge replacement project began in June 2008 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.

The entire project is expected to cost $130 million.