The bridge on Hwy. 136 over the Etowah River is expected to open to traffic next week, according to the latest update from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

"Next Friday, [Aug. 11] is the new scheduled opening for the bridge," said Katie Strickland, GDOT district one communications officer. "If the guard rail gets finished before then it might open Wednesday."

The bridge closed Jan. 30 for an estimated period of 180 days, with a detour marked around the closed roadway.

The original bridge, built in 1965, was taken down and a new bridge was built in its place.

According to a press release from the Georgia Department of Transportation, the project was expected to cost $2.6 million.