FORT WAYNE, Ind (Indiana's NewsCenter) --- The traffic mess on Fort Wayne's northwest side is about to get much worse Thursday, June 26th, thanks to a planned three week long road widening project that will close Washington Center Road to all traffic between Huegenard (Hillegas) and Goshen Road (U.S. 33).

The section of road has already caused delays for motorists who've wasted plenty of gas sitting in long lines trying to get through the construction zone on Washington Center Road.

Last week, southbound traffic on Hillegas was barred after roadway beams on the bridge overpass over U.S. 30/33 were damaged by a westbound wrecker truck. Repairs are expected to take three weeks. This has already caused plenty of frustration for motorists, many of whom are forced to go east and cross I-69 on Lima Road.

Now comes the widening project on Washington Center Road. Contractor Primco. Incorporated needs three weeks to finish this section of road, part of the U.S. 33 interchange improvement, work that the contractor will do about the same time that the overpass repair is being done on Hillegas.

A detour route will utilize Goshen Road, Merchant Drive and Huegenard Road for eastbound traffic. Westbound traffic will utilize Huegenard Road, Cook and then Goshen Road.

So by mid-July, drivers on the city's west and northwest side may be able to return taking their familiar routes to and from work, if the weather doesn't hold up repairs.