Barring unexpected delays, the Oregon Department of Transportation has announced the reopening of the Arch Bridge on Monday, Oct. 15, with grand-opening events the weekend prior.

Contractor Wildish Standard Paving will be working both days and evenings to install new bridge pylons. Later, replica historic lights will be mounted on these large obelisks.

Painting the bridge in its original gray will soon begin on the Oregon City side.

There will be lane closures on Highway 99E, one lane in each direction, between the tunnel and 10th Street, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At night, there will be multiple lanes closed between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Upon completion of restoration on this community icon, the Willamette Falls Heritage Area Coalition is planning a three-day Willamette Falls Festival — Friday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 14.

During the festival, the bridge will be open for pedestrians and bicyclists, but closed to vehicle traffic. The public is invited to share in this unique opportunity to stroll the historic bridge, eat Native American foods, see historic demonstrations and enjoy the breathtaking views of Willamette Falls.

For details on the Willamette Falls Festival, check out wfheritage.org.