The Route 420 bridge southbound in Prospect Park that closed suddenly and indefinitely Dec. 7 is now open again, writes Robert Moran for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The bridge reopened Tuesday evening, though contractors will remain on-site through the end of the week.

PennDOT closed the bridge after seven inspectors found “significant beam and bearing pedestal deterioration”.

The bridge is an essential link used by 20,000 vehicles a day connecting I-95 with Tinicum Township. Built in 1930, it crosses Darby Creek. It was reconstructed in 1951.

The closing was indefinite “because at that time we did not know whether a repair plan would be successful or when it might take place and finish,” PennDot spokesperson Brad Rudolph said.

PennDot has a design to replace the bridge and will bid out the construction work in early 2023.

It is one of 512 roadway bridges in the Philadelphia region handling 100 or more vehicles a day that has had a “poor” rating covering its deck, superstructure or substructure.

There is $27.5 billion in new federal aid for states to rehabilitate aging and failing bridges. Pennsylvania has received $1.6 billion in funds.

Read more about the Route 420 bridge reopening at The Philadelphia Inquirer.