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Platt Bridge Reopens After 2-Year Construction Project

By Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - After a $43 million renovation project that shutdown half of the Platt Bridge for almost two years, commuters can now breathe a sigh of relief as the whole bridge is now open and ready for use.

If you rode on the Platt Bridge in the last 18 months you know the commute is less than ideal. The barriers kept your vehicle in a confined environment that leaves no room for even the smallest driving miscalculation.

And if you're in an 18 wheeler, don't even think about it. "Commercial trucks have been prohibited from using the bridge since April of 2012," says Gene Blaum of PennDOT.

Blaum says now, all that has changed, "Travel opens up to two lanes."

And local cab drivers say this means a lot for their business.

"It would be greatly appreciated by the cab driver, it would be good for the business."

"I'm so excited about this, it's a good thing."

Blaum says this project is pretty much in the bag, but next spring they will be back to finish up some minor details.

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