The $338 million Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge has been reopened to traffic.

The span on U.S. Highway 90 was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

There wasn’t any fanfare with Monday’s opening. Since the rebuilding project was done, the Mississippi Department of Transportation asked contractors to clear the way so drivers could take over the six-lane bridge.

The federal government paid for the replacement roadwork, just like it paid for the $283 million for the new bridge that reconnected Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis.

Melanie Kay got an up close look at the new bridge between Harrison and Jackson Counties.

“It’s just awesome to have this back. It’s just a step in our recovery, to be able to do this and experience this,” she said.

On the first day without construction debris littering the new bridge, Kay took advantage of the spacious pedestrian walkway that MDOT incorporated into its post Katrina design.

“It’s a beautiful view. I enjoyed it,” she said.

Demolition of the old, four-lane bridge started in July 2006. The new bridge is wider and taller.

Bobby Carter is one of the Isle of Capri Casino employees who lives in Ocean Springs, but works in Biloxi.

“To have this much done to the coast I think is phenomenal,” he said.