Motorists using the Saskatchewan Landing Bridge will get to test out the new asphalt on the southbound lane beginning today.

Construction on the Highway 4 bridge was supposed to be done in the fall of 2018, but the bridge required more work which isn't expected to be finished until the summer of 2019.

"The scope has changed somewhat from what was preliminarily thought of because the bridge structure was in worse shape than first anticipated," Steve Shaheen, a senior communications consultant with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, said. "It's like any home renovation, once you start taking down walls and things you often find problems with electrical, plumbing, and so forth. There will be some additional concrete work that's taking place to ensure the integrity and safety long-term."

The project was originally pegged to cost around $5 million, but with the bridge needing more work, it seems that price point won't be attainable now.

"It would be more than what was anticipated, to begin with, but they make those contract amendments as such," Shaheen said.

He also added that during the springtime they will open the bridge intermittently to allow for farm equipment to pass through the area.