NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – It’s going to be a rough commute.

Two upper-level outbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge will remain closed until about 9 p.m. so crews can make emergency repairs, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said.

The closures were announced at around 11 a.m. Monday. The Port Authority earlier said they hoped to have the lanes reopened by 2 p.m., but what they forecast as a roughly three hour repair job apparently is now poised to take closer to 10.

The closures affect New Jersey-bound commuters, but not drivers heading from New Jersey to New York.

CHECK: Traffic

Drivers are facing significant delays.

Motorists heading westbound to New Jersey should consider alternate routes, such as the Lincoln or Holland tunnels, or use the lower level of the George Washington Bridge.

Last week, two upper-level westbound lanes of the span were closed after a metal plate shifted near the middle of the bridge where two large potholes had developed.

Crews have been working since August to replace all the plates on the upper level.

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