Work continues at the Liberty Memorial Bridge as the end of the first phase of construction cruises closer.

At this point, it looks like traffic will transfer from the old bridge to the new bridge by the end of July or beginning of August, said Mike Kopp, Memorial Bridge spokesman for the North Dakota Depart of Transportaion.

"We're working on some concrete surfaces on the east end (of the new bridge)," he said. "We're within a couple of days of being on schedule."

He said the closer they get to the estimated time of the traffic transfer, the easier it will be to determine an exact date.

Part of determining a time involves how quick the red tape is cleared with the Army Corps of Engineers. The other determining factor is how quickly finishing touches on minor details are completed.

Some of these details include lights, installation of traffic and pedestrian railing and conduit and utility lines inside the bridge.

"It's going very well, we're very happy with what's happening," Kopp said.

Initially traffic will be transferred from the old bridge to the eastbound side of the new bridge while the other side is completed.

Once the westbound side of the bridge is completed, then all four lanes are expected to be open come November.

But even after that, work on both banks of the river for the respective memorial parks hasn't begun yet.

The parks are still in the design stage of development. Kopp said bidding for the work won't even begin until next year.

"It will be the end of next year before you see the end of all construction in that area," he said.

But once it's all completed, Kopp said Bismarck and Mandan citizens will have quite a site to see there.

"Everyone seems to be very pleased with this project," he said. "I've spoken with both the (Department of Transportation) and the contractor - everyone is very proud of the finished project."

(Reach reporter Chris Rosacker at 250-8254 or chris.rosacker@bismarcktribune.com.)