Construction on what will one day be the longest continuous bridge span in the continental United States will mark a milestone on Wednesday afternoon.

That's when the two sides of the new $82 million bridge along Interstate 64 in Kanawha County will be joined in the middle.

That bridge will eventually carry three lanes of eastbound traffic over the Kanawha River between Dunbar and South Charleston.

Department of Transportation Spokesperson Brent Walker tells MetroNews Affiliate 58-WCHS Radio News in Charleston the final piece that will be moved into place on Wednesday is just one yard long.

"There's certainly work to be done on other piers on both sides of the river but the fact that the span is now coming together and crossing the entire river, it's a nice day to acknowledge and celebrate at least that achievement," Walker says.

Up to now, the span has been moved into place in 16 foot segments starting with the piers set up on opposite sides of the Kanawha River.

The joining of the two sides means there will be a 760 foot stretch between the two piers with no supports underneath, in the middle of the river.

The project is scheduled to be finished by Fall 2010.