Commuters will face one less traffic headache today as both lanes are now open on the Ironton-Russell Bridge-- for now.

Traffic was often alternated on one lane last week while crews from Intech Contracting of Lexington, Ky., worked on repairs to the Kentucky approach to the span.

Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 Spokeswoman Kathleen Fuller said the project is almost complete.

"Contractors removed the (loose epoxy) overlay yesterday and will continue to remove the overlay today, tomorrow and possibly Thursday, depending on how long it takes to remove the rest of it," Fuller said. "They have planned to pave on Saturday. This is forecasted to be a warm, dry day. The paving can be done in one day, providing the weather holds out, and with the exception of striping, this will wrap up the project."

Fuller said that throughout the remainder of the project, motorists may encounter temporary delays as the bridge is reduced to one lane at intermittent periods; however, full closure of the bridge is not expected and two-way traffic will be maintained at any time the bridge is reduced to one lane.

Traffic was halted completely two weekends ago while crews performed maintenance on the Ohio approach to the bridge, prompting an outcry from motorists and business owners on both sides of the river. Many of those who complained said completely closing the bridge hurt local business and disrupted travel. They argued that two-way traffic should have been maintained on one lane while repairs were made to the other.

There is no additional work scheduled on the bridge for the remainder and this year and early next year, unless routine inspections indicate otherwise, Fuller said.

Intech has been removing the existing wearing surface and replacing loose sections of concrete-filled steel grid decking with new material. The contractors also patched deteriorated concrete and placed new asphalt wearing surface on the bridge where the surface is failing. The cost of the repair and repaving project was $144,812.39.