The Elysian Viaduct was closed years ago for replacement, but the work is finally finished and it will reopen Friday afternoon.
The bridge spans I-10 from Brooks Street on the north side of downtown to Commerce Street and provides a critical route into that part of downtown.
Eyewitness News took a drive on the bridge before its opening this week and reported seeing wider shoulders and turn lanes for better traffic flow. TxDOT said the $35 million project upgraded the bridge and will help relieve congestion into downtown.
"It's great for folks that work in downtown [and for those who] live on the north side," said TxDOT spokesperson, Danny Perez. "People going to the ball game, all the different events in downtown, they'll have another route to take other than I-45 or US-59."
From the end of the bridge on the north side, drivers can also use local streets to connect to the Hardy Toll Road or the I-610 North Loop.
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