MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Repair work on Milwaukee's 16th Street bridge is expected to take longer than previously planned. 

The Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) announced the work is estimated to be completed by July 2026. 

The 1925-built bridge was closed to traffic on Dec. 5, 2025, after an inspection showed signs of accelerated wear to one floor beam. Due to the level of wear, the beam needed to be replaced. 

According to the DPW, the project team has been working six days per week to complete the installation of the new beam, and it's estimated to be complete in July. 

The DPW says the delay in work is because the new beam is not being delivered until July. 

Following installation of the beam, the southern portion of the viaduct will reopen to traffic south of Canal Street, and the project will return to its original detour route. 

Meantime, DPW says rehabilitation work on the northern portion of the bridge continues to progress on schedule. 

The full rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in October 2026.