The opening of the first span of the new Kosciuszko Bridge is just a few hours away.

Governor Andrew Cuomo will hold a grand opening event at noon, followed by a bigger celebration with a light show at 7 p.m.

The bridge officially opens to traffic in both directions at 11:30 p.m.
Crews will move a concrete barrier into place to divert vehicles from the old bridge to the new span.

The old bridge is set to be torn down this summer and a new span will be constructed in its place.

That phase of construction is expected to be finished in 2020.

When complete, one span will carry traffic into Brooklyn, and the other will be Queens-bound.

(Source: NY1)