Monroe Bridge opening on schedule

The pesky little details are all that are left to finish on the Monroe Street Bridge.

On Wednesday morning, one worker pushed a broom along the bridge deck. Others installed the railing between the sidewalk and roadway. Another man was grinding down rough patches on a decorative column.

After being closed for more than 2½ years, the bridge will reopen for a weekend of festivities on Sept. 16, and then accept vehicle traffic Sept. 19.

Despite a couple of surprises, like a hollow north pier, the bridge reconstruction project will come in $2 million under its $20 million budget.

Spokane Preservation Advocates will host a $75-a-ticket gala fund-raiser on Sept. 16, featuring music, dinner and more. For details, visit www.spokanepreservation.org or call 325-SEAT.

The city is throwing a free daylong celebration on Sept. 17, starting with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., continuing with a street fair and wrapping up with a dance at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 8 p.m. On Sept. 18, there will be a worship service at 7:30 a.m., a cycling event at 9 a.m. and a cancer walk at 9:30 a.m. For details, visit www.spokanecity.org.