Beginning Monday, the Haleiwa-bound lane of the Karsten Thot Bridge will be open during afternoon rush-hour traffic as major repairs continue.

The Department of Transportation made the announcement this afternoon, saying the northbound lane of traffic across the bridge will be open for passenger vehicles only from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The southbound lane will remain open for morning commuters from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays.

The decision to open the lane in the afternoons came as major structural work beneath the bridge is almost done, the state said. 

The state began repairs on the 80-year-old Karsten Thot Bridge on Sept. 17, and the work is expected to be completed by the end of October. 

The morning and afternoon lanes are open to passenger vehicles, emergency vehicles and school buses only, the DOT said in a press release. No city or tour buses or heavy commercial vehicles will be allowed. Pedestrians will continue to be able to use the bridge.