The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the completion of the new northbound I-5 Whilamut Passage Bridge over the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon, US.

The new bridge, which will reduce congestion and improve freight movement through the corridor, will open to traffic in mid-August, around four months ahead of schedule.

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said that the new I-5 bridge will help drivers get home sooner and relieve freight congestion for businesses, while also maintaining the Alton Baker Park, including the Whilamut Natural Area.

"By finishing the bridge four months early, we saved taxpayers’ money and delivered important benefits even faster," Foxx added.

The new bridge is surrounded by Alton Baker Park and the Whilamut Natural Area, and the project includes landscaping and park improvements scheduled to be completed by December 2013.

The improvements also include enhanced bike and pedestrian amenities, which are scheduled for completion in 2014.

"The new bridge, which will reduce congestion and improve freight movement through the corridor, will open to traffic in mid-August, around four months ahead of schedule."

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said that the new bridge will improve safety and strengthen the region’s economy by expediting freight movement.

"It’s a win-win for people in and around Eugene," Mendez added.

The northbound bridge will join southbound bridge, which opened in 2011 and supports 60,000 vehicles in the Eugene-Springfield area travelling on I-5 each day, of which almost 20% are trucks.

The cost of both the northbound and southbound bridges is $204m, including $30.3m in federal funds.

With the opening of the new bridge, the number of vehicles using I-5 in the area each day is predicted to surpass 100,000 by 2040.

The two bridges are 67ft wide and will double the highway capacity by accommodating three lanes of traffic with shoulders on each bridge.

The deck-arch bridges are 1,984.8ft long and stand 63ft above the water.