VIDEOS/PHOTOS: First traffic drives across new Broadway Bridge, but opening date still not set

Local and state officials rode across the nearly completed Broadway Bridge for the first time Monday.

The event, closed to the public, marked the first time vehicular traffic had moved across the span that connects Little Rock and North Little Rock across the Arkansas River.

Monday’s ceremony was a month ahead of schedule because of “unseasonably warm winter months,” state Highway and Transportation Department Director Scott Bennett said.

Bennett noted that the bridge, initially planned to open by the end of this week, could open to general traffic early next week. An exact date has still not been set after recent rainfall.

[BROADWAY BRIDGE: Videos + traffic map, cameras, previous coverage, photos here]

"It may open up in the middle of the night without much fanfare," he said to laughter from attendees.

Work on the highway's pavement and striping still continues after being hindered by recent rain.

Bennett said that throughout the process of constructing the bridge, crews have been mindful of weekday travel and are working as quickly as possible to ease the traffic burden on morning and afternoon commuters.

When asked by a reporter how the first ride up onto the bridge was, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola replied: "Smooth."

The Broadway Bridge has been closed since September, when the existing span was decommissioned and dismantled.

Read Tuesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.