The Clark Street bridge will probably open to traffic on Friday, Oct. 13, several days before an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Norm Dombrowski, project engineer for the construction, said crews are hoping to have it open ahead of the Oct. 18 deadline. While concrete for the bridge itself was poured in July, work on incidental projects delayed the opening.
Once the bridge opens, work will continue underneath the structure, Dombrowski said, primarily work on a water main that needs additional bracing.
The city of Stevens Point will host a bridge dance before the opening on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, will be the rain date.
Polka music will be provided by Dombrowski's band, Norm Dombrowski and the Happy Notes.
The formal dedication is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The program for that event hasn't been released.
The bridge has been closed since March, with traffic to and from the west side of Stevens Point detoured to the Highway HH bridge that was completed last year.
Clark Street between Water and Church streets opened last week, leaving only the southbound segment on Water Street closed.