A bridge that has been closed for eight years is soon to re-open.

The former Shelby County Bridge 13, on County Road 875 West, just south of 700 North spans Buck Creek. The crossing has been closed to traffic since 2011.  The new structure, ow known as Bridge 219, is almost ready for travel.

Shelby County Commissioner Don Parker says striping for the new bridge is scheduled for Tuesday.  A formal 'grand opening' ceremony is being set for Friday.

Built in 1889, Bridge 13 is a rare example of Pratt steel truss-through construction. Because of its historic nature, the state required Shelby County to preserve it.  So Bridge 13 was disassembled, cleaned up, stored, and now is being reassembled in Shelbyville's Blue River Memorial Park where it will become part of the city's bike-pedestrian trail.