Plans to repair the MKT Bridge along White Oak Bayou hit a delay in 2021 after damage was discovered to be more extensive than what was at first thought.

With a new damage assessment complete, officials with the Houston Parks Board said they now estimate all repairs to be finished and the bridge to reopen in late summer.

The bridge sustained significant damaged in a fire in August 2020, which forced it to be closed. Initial plans to have it reopen last fall were delayed by the discovery of additional damage.

A new damage assessment plan received expedited approval by the city of Houston and the Harris County Flood Control District, according to a Feb. 4 statement from the Houston Parks Board. Construction at the site of the bridge is expected to resume in March, after steel is fabricated for the repairs. An existing detour will remain in place during the time of construction, officials said.