FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) -- The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is advising drivers to plan ahead as crews prepare to install "massive bridge girders" over Interstate 495 starting Friday night. The installation of the five steel girders across northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway), which VDOT calls the "Big Beam Weekend," will create a new express lanes ramp to connect Dulles Toll Road to the interstate. As crews work on the project from Friday night to Monday morning, drivers can expect "significant" traffic impacts on northbound I-495 near Tysons and at the I-495 and Dulles Corridor interchange area, according to VDOT. The department noted that traffic on northbound I-495 will be reduced from six lanes to two for about a one-mile stretch near Tysons. The lanes will function without a toll and be open to all traffic; however, drivers should stay alert to traffic shifts and lane reductions that will be established starting at the Route 7 interchange until just past Lewinsville Road (about three miles). Over $12 million in federal grants awarded to Virginia airports In addition, the ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Airport Access Highway to northbound I-495, along with westbound Dulles Toll Road under I-495, will be closed and detoured. The airport access highway will stay open, but transportation officials encourage those driving to the airport to give themselves extra time. "Motorists are urged to stay away from northbound I-495 in Virginia the entire weekend of January 24-27 and should choose alternate routes. If travel through the area is unavoidable, drivers should expect delays and traffic backups," VDOT said, in a press release. The department said that in the case of inclement weather, the installation will be rescheduled for the following weekend, Jan. 31 through Feb. 3. Travelers can click here to view maps of closures and traffic impacts caused by the project. Drivers can also check VA 511 to stay informed here.