As everyone knows, Bristol loves a parade. So how else would they reopen the Silver Creek Bridge after it was partially closed for more than seven months?

In true Bristol fashion,  a parade of town vehicles — fire engine, public works dump trucks, vans, etc. — drove across the Route 114 bridge at precisely 3 p.m. on Friday, reopening both lanes of the bridget to traffic flowing in either direction.

Moments later, the first uncertain non-municipal motorist drove north over the bridge as well, and soon enough, others followed. Realizing the bridge was now open in both directions, drivers headiing south began honking their horns and screaming out celebrations and "thanks" as they passed.

The Silver Creek Bridge replacement project cost nearly $5 million and was considered necessary to replace a crumbling span that had outlived its time. Because it serves as the only true north-south entrance into downtown Bristol along the west side of town, its partial closure was disruptive to traffic, commuters, residents and businesses for months.

But all that was forgotten on Friday, with town officials and the key personnel from John Rocchio Corp. all smiles as they welcomed full traffic.

The bridge is not 100 percent complete yet, as there will still be some curbing, landscaping and a final coat of asphalt coming soon.