Here's something that should make motorists in the southeast metro happy. MnDOT says the northbound span of the new Hastings bridge should open Monday.

Traffic has been sharing the southbound lanes for the past several months, but following tonight's rush hour, northbound traffic will be moved to the northbound lanes. This is weather permitting, of course.

Traffic on Hwy. 61 in Hastings will still be single lane from the bridge to 4th Street for another two weeks. But at least this is progress.

A dedication for the $130 million bridge over the Mississippi River is set for Nov. 22.