BEND, OR -- The Colorado Avenue bridge closure will continue on the west side of Bend for a couple days more than expected. It was originally slated to reopen Tuesday, November 17, but it's now scheduled to open Friday, November 20.

Project Engineer George Franklet tells KBND, "Just due to the fact so much work to be done in a tight space, with two different contractors on two big projects, it just turns out that we need a couple extra days to wrap things up in the area."

Both lanes of the bridge will be open the week of Thanksgiving. Franklet says it's possible one-lane closures may be necessary the week of November 30, but he doesn't anticipate any new detours. And, in the end, he says it will be worth it. "The project is very essential for future development on the west side. The contractors have done a great job coordinating with these two very large projects. It's unfortunate that we have a few extra days of closure, but I think it's like ripping the band-aid off. It's going to pay off."