It is news that beleaguered Saint John motorists have been waiting for.

Harbour Bridge is expected to fully reopen to traffic on Friday, Dec. 16.

Traffic has been reduced to one lane in each direction since early April as part of a multi-year rehabilitation project.

Officials had initially expected that work would be completed by the end of November.

Crews spent much of the day Thursday moving barriers in preparation for the reopening.

That led to long delays at times for drivers trying to get from one side of the city to the other.

The $26.4-million project is expected to continue through 2026.