For some, it's been a 50-year wait. But, the wait is almost over.
The Bicentennial Bridge will officially open Monday, after a 1:30 p.m. ribbon cutting.
"I can't even think of words really. I'm so excited," Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said.
The Bicentennial Bridge, named such for the state's bicentennial year, stretches 765 feet from the Capitol grounds -- next to the Senate parking garage -- over the Union Pacific railroad tracks to Adrian's Island.
Construction on the $4.9 million bridge started in February. The late BJ Delong gave $3.2 million to begin the project before she died during the summer. One panel of the bridge's fencing will feature her image along with the names of other individuals who donated more than $5,000.
The project had delays from the start.
Construction started in February. The original goal was to open the bridge as part of the bicentennial celebrations in August. However, as parts got delayed, that goal wasn't accomplished.
Tergin said opening the bridge the week of Christmas is like unwrapping a present for the community.
"There's something about it that's really special," she said. "There's something festive about it being right now. It is the right time, and it is in our bicentennial year. When you think of how long our community has waited for this moment ... I have here in my office BJ Delong's Riverfront Development Plan from June of 1970."
The Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian's Island is also almost ready for visitors. The 30-acre island will include a giant chessboard, hammock area, bathrooms, pieces from the Capitol renovations and roughly 1,000 feet of trails.
Parks Director Todd Spalding said there will be trails around the island Monday, but it will be spring before the full park is up and running.
Parks staff, he said, has been out on the island working to clear brush from the water's edge so people can get a clear view over the river.
There will be a concrete trail around the landing area for the bridge along with dirt paths through the woods.
The ribbon cutting will take place at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the foot of the bridge, next to the Senate parking garage. Tergin said Gov. Mike Parson plans to attend along with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, who represents Jefferson City.
Afterwards, those in attendance are encouraged to cross the bridge for the first time.
"I can't wait for people to experience the bridge, the spectacular river view and to experience Adrian's Island," Tergin said. "This is something we've dreamed about for so long, and it's finally here."