May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) carries the ball during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

The summer has been long and hot, but football is almost here. Rams training camp is opening this week, and all I can say is “It’s about time.” The rookies will report on Thursday for a 3:30 p.m. practice and will go again at 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Those sessions will not be open to the public.

The rest of the squad will begin on Sunday with a 3:30 p.m. session tat will be open to the public. That will be there first chance to see the boys in action.

Those planning on attending should be aware that there will be some traffic issues. Here is the release from the team.

Repairs to the Interstate 70 bridge over Earth City Expressway will impact traffic during the opening weekend of training, weather permitting. The I-70 bridge over Earth City Expressway schedule will include closures beginning at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday.

Two lanes will be closed in each direction on I-70, and all of the cloverleaf ramps at the interchange will be closed. The ramps include the following:  eastbound I-70 exit to Earth City north, westbound I-70 exit to Earth City south, on ramp from Earth City south to eastbound I-70, and on ramp from Earth City north to westbound I-70.

Motorists attending Rams practices or other activities and businesses along Earth City Expressway are encouraged to use Route 370 or Route 364 (Page Avenue) to access the area.