Traffic is scheduled to be on the new Highway 47 bridge over the Missouri River in early December.MoDOT Area Engineer Judy Wagner provided an update on the construction project at the Franklin County Transportation Committee meeting Thursday, May 17.Wagner said the contract requires traffic to be on the bridge by Dec. 3.“That’s exciting,” she said.The overall completion date for the entire project — which includes the removal of the old bridge — is Sept. 2, 2019, she said.About the bridgeThe $63 million bridge project involves building a new 2,560-foot-long bridge just to the west — upstream — from the existing span, which was completed in 1936.The new structure is designed with two 12-foot driving lanes, two 10-foot shoulders and a 10-foot-wide biking/walking path along the west side. An overlook, where walkers and bikers can stop and view the river and cityscape, will be at the center bridge pier.The contractor, Alberici Constructors, began work in August 2016.Bridge celebrationsA committee comprised of Washington city and state officials is beginning to hash out the plans to mark the opening of the new bridge.Tentatively, an early December date has been set for a ribbon cutting and then a watch party as the bridge is illuminated.Sometime in 2019, possibly in the spring, a third ceremony will be held when the old bridge is demolished.Alberici Constructors will own the current bridge after the new structure is completed.The company likely won’t allow any type of celebration on the bridge for liability concerns. That includes an organized run or dinner on the bridge deck.Once the new bridge is opened, crews will work to remove salvageable pieces before the current bridge is imploded into the Missouri River.According to Lucy, the committee will determine logistics for the events planned around the bridge opening, and incorporate other organizations to assist with the activities.Bridge progressRecord photo