YARMOUTH — The Maine Department of Transportation on Wednesday said it is postponing construction and lane closures scheduled for this weekend on Interstate 295 northbound.

The decision to delay work on the Royal River Bridge was made after discussions with the Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine Innkeepers Association and the Maine Office of Tourism.

It came after delays of an hour or more were reported last weekend, and traffic backed up to Portland, while crews performed bridge repairs and paving.

According to a DOT press release, the construction and lane closures will be rescheduled for a date in September when traffic is expected to be lighter.

Initially the Royal River Bridge work was scheduled for June, but bad weather interfered with the project.

Information and updates on I-295 construction projects and a sign-up for e-mail alerts are available at mainedot.gov.