INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Authorities say the first morning commute into downtown Indianapolis after the closing of a stretch of Interstates 65 and 70 came off without any major tie-ups.

Several downtown streets had heavier traffic and longer delays than normal Tuesday morning as drivers sought out alternate routes after highway crews started work on an expected two-month project to lower pavement under seven bridges.

Indianapolis police Sgt. Linda Jackson says motorists can simply get off the interstate at different ramps _ as she did on her way to work Tuesday.

Officials say the highway work is needed because bridges in that section have been hit repeatedly by oversized semitrailer loads. The $12 million project scheduled for completion by the end of October.