Drivers should avoid traveling on 140th Avenue Northeast near Northeast Eighth Street next week, as one of the street’s two lanes will be closed for replacement of a large water pipe valve.

Starting Monday a lane will be closed on 140th between Northeast Eighth and 12th streets. The work is scheduled to take place daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for up to five days, or until the work is completed.

A utility crew must dig up the roadway to replace the valve, which the city suspects of a leak.

Flaggers will direct traffic in both directions to the open lane. Travelers are urged to take an alternate route or expect long backups in both directions on 140th Avenue Northeast.