Construction on the Loop Parkway drawbridge shifted into high gear this weekend, resulting in the shutdown of the entire parkway through Monday morning.

The Loop Parkway is one of three connectors to the Long Beach barrier island. Point Lookout will be most affected by the shutdown, as residents who live there will have to drive several miles west to get anywhere.

The state Department of Transportation says the work on the 85-year-old drawbridge is absolutely necessary.

Some residents say they're not happy with the Loop Parkway closure, while others say they're glad it's at least happening over the weekend -- and not during the summer.

The parkway is expected to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday.

Repair work to the Loop Parkway Bridge began in 2017. It’s expected to be completed later this year.