The footbridge over the Crooked River at Smith Rock is back in place and opened to the public on Oct. 7.

The footbridge over the Crooked River at Smith Rock State Park was reopened and operational — though not fully manicured — in time for Saturday morning hikers and climbers on Oct. 7.

For the first time in nearly two months, recreationalists can cross safely to the other side of the river and access most of the park, officials said Friday.

“It’s business as usual,” said Matt Davey, park manger. “The contractors are just starting to wrap up some work and we are going to have it open for the weekend.”

On Friday, Davey said the contractors were finishing up some fencing. But though the bridge is complete, there will still be work going on in the area for the next two or three weeks.

In addition to some rehab on the grassy area near the footbridge, crews will be fixing disturbed sections of the trail, and some native plant restoration on both sides of the river near the bridge. Fences will also be installed to protect new plant growth, Davey said.

“A big thank you for everyone’s patience during this complicated project,” said Davey. “We know it’s been an inconvenience for a lot of our visitors coming to the park not being able to access that side of the canyon safely. We really appreciate everyone’s patience during this very challenging project…It’s going to be a beautiful weekend so people will be happy to go experience those beautiful views up on Misery Ridge again.”

The previous pedestrian bridge at Smith Rock, which provided the park’s only safe crossing of the Crooked River, was demolished August 14. That bridge was nearly 50 years old and could not accommodate life-saving equipment needed for the park’s frequent rescue operations.

The footbridge over the Crooked River at Smith Rock State Park will reopen tonight and be operational — though not fully manicured — in time for Saturday morning hikers and climbers on Oct. 7.

For the first time in nearly two months recreationalists can cross safely to the other side of the river and access most of the park, officials said Friday.

“It’s business as usual,” said Matt Davey, park manger. “The contractors are just starting to wrap up some work and we are going to have it open for the weekend.”

On Friday, Davey said the contractors were finishing up some fencing. But though the bridge is complete, there will still be work going on in the area for the next two or three weeks.

In addition to some rehab on the grassy area near the footbridge, crews will be fixing disturbed sections of the trail, and some native plant restoration on both sides of the river near the bridge. Fences will also be installed to protect new plant growth, Davey said.

“A big thank you for everyone’s patience during this complicated project,” said Davey. “We know it’s been an inconvenience for a lot of our visitors coming to the park not being able to access that side of the canyon safely. We really appreciate everyone’s patience during this very challenging project…It’s going to be a beautiful weekend so people will be happy to go experience those beautiful views up on Misery Ridge again.”

The previous pedestrian bridge at Smith Rock, which provided the park’s only safe crossing of the Crooked River, was demolished August 14. That bridge was nearly 50 years old and could not accommodate life-saving equipment needed for the park’s frequent rescue operations.

Access will be cut when Smith Rock bridge reconstruction