Some are joking on social media that it's a Christmas miracle but for the first time in what seems like forever, you can drive northbound on 1st Avenue SouthEast without having to worry about a detour.

After 6 months of work and $2 million dollars, the 1st Avenue Bridge is officially opened to traffic. Along with the new bridge, complete with adjoining walkway, the city is also advising residents that the Storm Sewer Project on 1st Avenue from Home Coteau Street is completed for the year.

Although the area is not fully paved, traffic has resumed and work will continue the spring of next year as the contractor will return to the affected storm sewer locations to remove the millings and replace the millings with asphalt. A release from the city says they'll also finish the sidewalks, curb and gutters.