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Part of I-495 Bridge Could Open Before Labor Day

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Transportation officials in Delaware say a portion of the closed Interstate 495 bridge may re-open ahead of schedule, weeks before Labor Day.

Officials announced the development Wednesday. The bridge, which typically carries about 90,000 vehicles daily, was closed June 2 after officials learned several columns were tilting.

Temporary repairs had been expected to be complete by Labor Day, but on Wednesday officials said the southbound lanes could re-open before then. The state's transportation department did not give a specific date.

The department says crews are nearing completion of underground foundations that will be used to temporarily support the bridge and getting ready for the next phase of work.

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Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.