With the Washington Street Bridge temporarily closed, city officials in Marietta have taken measures to keep traffic moving smoothly.

Some of the left-hand turns on to Putnam Street have been eliminated, and other lanes that allowed drivers to go straight are now being used as turn lanes.

Mayor Michael Mullen says these changes are just a short-term inconvenience for drivers, and the traffic pattern will change back when the bridge construction is complete.

"It's a major disruption of what's normal, but we think that we made all the provisions to move traffic as painlessly as we can, and it seems to be working," Mayor Mullen said.

Mayor Mullen says these temporary traffic changes will be beneficial in the long-run, as this bridge construction will add another 40 to 50 years to the structure.