After a massive reconstruction project that took nearly three years to complete, the Third Avenue bridge over the Mississippi River reopened on Saturday.
More than 100 people were there for the opening ceremonies, and to get the first chance to walk across the bridge and its signature Melan Arches.
"Bridges like this do connect communities," said Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. "This bridge has been so much of an important part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota and city of Minneapolis for over 105 years."
When the bridge first opened in 1918, it had a very different connection.
"These two sides were not even one city," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who revealed the Third Street bridge is his favorite in the city. "This is connecting people and cities together and it's making who we are a better people."
The project widened pathways on both sides of the bridge, while enhancing historic and artistic features... and improving safety and accessibility.
After the grand opening and on-site festivities, motor traffic resumes rolling across the bridge before nightfall.