HARTFORD — The new bridge #7, also known as the VA Cutoff bridge, is now open to all traffic, the Vermont Agency of Transportation announced Friday. 

The bridge, which spans the White River, closed on Oct. 14 so that crews could connect two of its sections. 

The new bridge is wider than its predecessor by about 8 feet, and includes a 5.5-foot sidewalk and 4-foot-wide shoulders. The bridge also aligns with Christian Street in Hartford Village.

The old bridge, which is now permanently closed to traffic, entered the village further west, closer to Park Street and the Hartford Historical Society. 

Construction on the $24.4 million project began in April, 2023 and is scheduled to be complete by next fall.

Crews will continue with construction activities around the project area. Drivers should expect minor delays and periodic lane closures on Route 14. Flaggers will be present to assist motorists through the work zone, the VTrans news release said. 

Information about the project can be found online at: tinyurl.com/24d8vqcm.