"It won't be any big deal, we're just going to open the gates," Woodland Cemetery Board President Jerry Rowe said. "It's been a long time coming."

At 4:30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, the cemetery board and other local officials will gather to officially declare the new bridge open for public use. The bridge was completed earlier this month, and motorists have been using it since the beginning of the week. But Rowe said the board wanted some public acknowledgement that the front entrance to the cemetery is now assessable.

"When they roll across there, they're going to see a beautiful new bridge," Rowe said.

The old bridge was closed to traffic in June 1999 due to its age and general condition. Construction of the new span began May 30, 2002, at a cost of $1,186,710.40.

In addition to the new bridge, the cemetery is also sporting new curbs, and a revamped entrance area with landscaping. The old wrought iron gates have been refurbished as well.