GOLDENDALE -- The Biggs Rapid Bridge, a key route between central Washington and Oregon, reopened Monday evening.

That means motorists will have plenty of time to make travel plans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

The U.S. Highway 97 span south of Goldendale has been closed for nearly five months as the state Department of Transportation and contract crews complete what officials describe as critical repairs.

The bridge opened several days ahead of schedule and will remain open through the summer, then close Sept. 3, after Labor Day for additional work, according to a DOT news release.

More information on the project can be found at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/US97/BiggsBridge/