SAVANNAH - About 32 workers were busy constructing the new arched bridge along the Diamond Causeway in Savannah to Skidaway Island Thursday after about a six-month delay.
About 80 feet above the shimmering surface of the intracoastal waterway, workers on the main span installed rebar to prepare the structure to be covered in concrete.
Work resumed early last week after coming to a halt in early August when it was discovered that some girders put in place did not meet design requirements.
United Contractors project manager Donald Anderson said the major issues have been resolved, and the bridge is expected to be open to traffic in June.
The bridge initially was scheduled to be open to traffic by Nov. 30, and the contractor has been paying $1,000 a day in damages since then for failing to meet the deadline.
To address some of the issues, revisions had to be made to the original plans, including the use of lightweight concrete in some areas and a change of the span's profile.
The approved changes will not impact the quality of the bridge, and it will maintain its original design speed of 55 mph, said Jill Nagel, department of transportation spokeswoman.
The $22.5 million arched bridge is being built to replace the causeway's 40-year-old drawbridge, which breaks down and is difficult to repair. Ground was broken for the project in the summer of 2010.
Shari Haldeman, general manager of Skidaway's The Landings Association, said the sooner residents no longer have to navigate through a construction zone, the better.
"We're delighted to see it get back on track," she said.