BEAUFORT, N.C. -- If you're heading into Beaufort this weekend, traffic patterns will be changing.

Starting Saturday, traffic will be rerouted as the state Department of Transportation prepares to open the new Gallants Channel high rise bridge.

The Grayden Paul drawbridge that's been the primary connector between Morehead City and Beaufort since 1957 will close.

Though the new bridge opens on Sunday, there's still no direct route into downtown Beaufort until the Turner Street Bridge is complete in early Spring.

"My pitch is to make sure that the citizens in Carteret County and visitors are very vigilant about these traffic patterns and drive safely,” said Mayor Rett Newton. “

The Grayden Paul drawbridge will be locked in an upright position on Monday and removed.