UPDATE 14/3/17: The bridge will reopen to traffic early Wednesday morning! Just in time to get over to the Botanic Gardens for this week's predicted blooming of Hannibal the 'corpse flower'.

EARLIER: After six months of construction work and traffic diversions, the newly-built bridge over Saltwater Creek in Edge Hill is set to open from the middle of next week.

The bridge, at the eastern end of Collins Avenue, has been closed to vehicles and pedestrians since September to allow for the full replacement of the ageing structure, originally built in the early 1970s.

The $4.28 million jointly-funded project includes a two-lane concrete bridge deck, cycle lanes, landscaped verges and new lighting at either end of the bridge.

An upgrade of McLean Street has been carried out in conjunction with the bridge replacement to further improve access to Collins Avenue.

Mayor Bob Manning said work had progressed to schedule, with full completion expected next month.

“There is still a bit of work to do, particularly on landscaping around the bridge, but we’ve reached a point where we can move off the roadway and allow traffic through,” he said.

Some Collins Avenue business owners reported falling customer numbers during the works, which also diverted the Sunbus route from Collins Avenue.

For council updates on the bridge and changes to bus schedules as a result of the road re-opening, click here and here.