Workers planned to close a bridge on State Route 169 across the Green River Friday for work on an unstable slope at the span’s south end near Black Diamond.

Contractors for the state Department of Transportation planned to finish installing 80 soil-nails and a spray-on concrete by the end of the day. One lane of the Kummer Bridge was to be closed, with flaggers directing northbound and southbound traffic on the second lane, which remained open. Delays of about five minutes were expected for motorists.

“Keeping one lane closed allows us to finish the work more quickly,” said Mike Askarian, a DOT project engineer. “That means we can have both lanes open to traffic by the end of next week, more than a week ahead of schedule.”

Both lanes of the bridge will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Askarian said. Work will resume Tuesday and Wednesday.

The next phase of the long-term improvements of the hillside is scheduled to begin in late September and end in November. Drainage pipes will be installed into the slope to help remove water that has caused landslides.

Additional information on the project is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR169/GreenRiverRepair/