The long anticipated opening of the Walnut Hill bridge in Bethel is here.  With little fanfare, the barricades were lifted a just before 3pm Wednesday.  First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker says the only thing left to do is paint the center line on the road.  That will take about two more weeks because the asphalt has to cure and some of the oils have to dry up.  Then the reflective paint will be put on the road.

The barriers have been lifted, the detour signs are being covered up with black cloth and will be taken down over the course of the next week. 

Knickerbocker did caution drivers to obey the speed limit and pay attention because there are some families with small children who live there and have gotten use to having no cars coming through.  There will be police presence because it's a smooth, wide road now.