NARROWSBURG, NY — The Narrowsburg Bridge, under construction for more than five  years, is set to re-open Thursday night.

According to inspectors at the bridge Wednesday, the Wilton, New York, civil contracting company D.A. Collins planned to open both lanes earlier this week. That plan was delayed due to heavy rainfall. Take heed—if there is more rain, or any contractors don’t show up, the opening could be delayed again.

“It’s going to be a pretty hectic day tomorrow,” said Nick Tomczyk, an inspector with the state. The bridge will need all new line paint and touch ups and the traffic lights at either end will be taken down and replaced with the original red blinking traffic light. There will also be brand new stop signs to replace the old signs on either side of the state line.

Tomcyzk warned drivers to be wary of those signs, especially on the New York side, where they may forget they need to stop.

Though construction has been long and caused headaches for commuters passing over the river, paint inspector Walter Davis said Wednesday that it’s been a pleasure to work in Narrowsburg. “Everyone here has been so nice, even bringing out coffee and donuts to the workers,” he said. “And that never happens.”

There won’t be any ribbon cutting or ceremony to mark the re-opening, but the first driver to go through should experience the satisfaction of long-delayed gratification. Of course, pointed out Davis, that driver will probably be one of the contractors finally leaving the job. 

Editors note: this article was updated to better reflect how long the bridge has been under construction.