COUDERSPORT — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting area drivers that a new Potter County bridge opened to traffic late this afternoon.

Crews have been working since late August to replace the bridge, which spans a tributary of Pine Creek on Route 1001 (Sweden Hill Road) in Ulysses Township. Replacing the structure improves its condition rating from “poor” to “good.”

With the bridge open to traffic, a detour using Route 449 and U.S. Route 6 will be lifted. PennDOT appreciates area drivers for their patience during this closure and detour.

Overall work included demolition of the old bridge, placement of a new concrete box culvert, approach paving, drainage improvements, guide rail installation, pavement marking, and miscellaneous construction. L.C. Whitford Co. Inc. of Wellsville, N.Y., has been the contractor on this $768,000 job.