(WHTM) — The Veterans Memorial Bridge, connecting Wrightsville, York County and Columbia, Lancaster County will undergo a major $234 million dollar renovation project .

“We expected to go to construction this year, but during a routine bridge inspection last June, we found some deterioration, some further deterioration that caused some concerns,” said David Thompson with PennDOT District 8.

Now the renovation project is expected to begin in 2027 .

“So, we’re kind of starting the whole process, public outreach again, design, environmental reviews and things like that,” Thompson added.

The public could learn “this whole process” at an open house in Lancaster County Tuesday night.

“We have display boards, and we have a design staff here to kind of explain the project and the various aspects of it and also to answer questions that anybody, that the public might have,” Thompson said.

And many community members had questions as there’s multiple concerns about the project.

“I’m concerned about the small business owners because we go back and forth and share businesses across the river all the time,” said Wendy Reitzel of Lancaster. “And now that’s going to impact them.”

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Wendy’s husband John Reitzel added, “The one thing I’m worried about is the historical value of the bridge. It’s an integral part of the community here.”

Although three years is a long time without a vital roadway, Thompson tells abc27 News he hopes the community will say, “It was worth the wait. You know, we have a bridge that’s going to be viable well into the future and we have this great resource for bicyclists and pedestrians. And it really that’s what the goal is of this project.”

When the bridge is closed, Thompson says there will be detours in place.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.