Fort Worth Bridge Opening Ahead Of Schedule

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Good news for commuters! Traveling in and out of Fort Worth is about to get much easier. That is because the construction on the 7th Street bridge -- a major artery in and out of the downtown area -- is one month ahead of schedule.

The old bridge, which was 100 years old, was closed and torn down in early June. Drivers were forced to find other ways to get around the city. Most of those drivers who had previously relied on the 7th Street bridge have detoured to West Lancaster Avenue or White Settlement Road.

The new bridge is nearly complete. It features 12 concrete arches and steel beams across the top. It is set to open up for drivers during the first week of October. Pedestrian walkways and landscaping around the bridge will be finished at a later date. "It's not just functional, but it has an aesthetic pleasantness about it," said Bruce Leafblad.

A lot of businesses have also suffered from the road work. They will likely be rejoicing at this construction update as well. Some restaurants and businesses in Montgomery Plaza and the surrounding area -- including Massage Envy and Chuy's -- have even announced special deals to celebrate the bridge's reopening. "All of the business has been hurting," said Stephanie Dure with Massage Envy. "We're going to have a member appreciation on the day the bridge opens."

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