KEENE, N. H. (MyKeeneNow) – The long-awaited reopening of the Island Street Bridge in Keene is set for Friday afternoon.

The bridge has been closed since April 2023 as part of the Upper Winchester Street Reconstruction Project for replacement. According to a news release at the time, the expected reopening date for the bridge was slated to be sometime in December of 2023.

The project was delayed for several reasons, including additional work and unforeseen circumstances.

City Engineer Don Lussier confirmed to WKBK Thursday morning that the bridge was scheduled to reopen by the end of the day on Friday, likely sometime between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The opening of the bridge marks the conclusion of the nearly two-year-long project on upper Winchester Street which included the construction of two roundabouts: one at the Key Road intersection and the other at the intersection with Island and Pearl Streets.

The roundabout at the Island and Pearl intersections will operate as intended with the opening of the bridge, so drivers should proceed with caution and pay attention to traffic flow signage.