Doug Richardson works to replace a 400-watt high pressure sodium light bulb high above the Tennessee River in this file photo.

Highway lighting will shut down on U.S. Highway 27 south of Signal Mountain Road to the Olgiati Bridge tonight or Thursday.

The lights are being disconnected along the 1.6-mile stretch as part of the reconstruction on U.S. 27, according to Tennessee Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jennifer Flynn.

U.S. 27 South will remain without street lighting until new lights are installed and activated during the latter stages of the project, which is scheduled for completion in October 2014.

The street lights on U.S. 27 northbound will remain operational for the time being.