OXFORD – Five months into the reconstruction of the Main Street Bridge in Oxford, Economy Paving Co. has completed the center pedestal of the bridge, a major milestone in the project.

“Weather has certainly been a factor in completing the bridge. The rain is raising the level of the river,” said Mayor Terry Stark. “But it’s still on schedule and we hope to have it open in August in time for the first day of school.”

The center pier, which resulted in the excavation of 1,606 cubic yards of material, was completed at the end of April, approximately halfway through the project.

The west side abutment has also been completed and construction of the east side abutment has already begun.

Stark reported the next two milestones would be the east abutment, expected to be complete by the end of May, and the placement of steel beams across the river by mid-june.

“As long as they happen, the rest will fall into place,” said Stark, explaining “the rest” would include placement of a deck, paving, landscaping and light placement.