Sen. Chris Johnson joined with officials from the Maine Department of Transportation, students from the South Bristol Elementary School, and local residents yesterday to observe the passing of the first boat under the Gut Bridge.

The bridge, that carries Route 129 over the gut to Rutherford Island in South Bristol, has been under construction since May 2015. MDOT replaced the previous swinging bridge with a modest bascule design. The ceremony marked the official opening of the new bridge for boat and vehicular traffic.

“It was a moment I know the community of South Bristol has been waiting for,” said Sen. Johnson. “They can be proud of once again having a reliable bridge, and a design appreciated by those observing the opening for the first boat's passage. This bridge will be part of South Bristol’s identity for many decades.”