There are major changes to traffic on the Cross Island Parkway as the UBS Arena is scheduled to open next month.

The big push is on to finish up construction projects in the area. So, starting Saturday night, the Cross Island Parkway around the arena and Belmont Park will be closed in both directions -- and that could cause some big traffic headaches in the area Saturday night and Sunday.

Because the MTA needs to work on the new Elmont LIRR station at the UBS Arena, it needs to close the Cross Island Parkway in both directions starting in phases at 10 p.m. Saturday between the Grand Central and Southern State and Belt parkways.

The closure will force high speed north/south traffic to the Meadowbrook Parkway and Van Wyck Expressway. It is also expected to force traffic on to local streets as motorists try to find their own ways around.

The Cross Island is expected to re-open by 8 p.m. Sunday.

On top of traffic, LIRR riders along the main line in Nassau County are already seeing major service changes. Because of the third track expansion project this weekend and next, there is no service between New Hyde Park and Hicksville.

The closures will also impact service on the Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma branches until late Sunday night.