Construction crews are removing a temporary bridge this week on Augusta’s Western Avenue that for a year carried vehicles over Interstate 95 while a new bridge was built.

Now that the new bridge is in place, crews from Woolwich-based Reed & Reed have also reopened a left turn lane onto Whitten Road — a connection to Hannaford, the Turnpike Mall area and Hallowell.

The 70-year-old bridge, which carried about 17,000 vehicles traveling east and nearly 11,000 traveling west daily, had been plagued by failing paint, an eroding slope, rusting steel beams, worn-out bearings, and cracked and breaking concrete. The new structure improves clearance on I-95 and adds sidewalks and a bicycle lane to the heavily traveled road.

Reed & Reed began work on the $30 million state-funded project in 2023. Since then, Augusta drivers have seen lane closures, traffic diversions and detours in the heavily traveled area.

Construction is expected to be completed this spring.