PROSPECT (AP) – The state Department of Transportation hopes to open the new $85 million bridge linking Waldo and Hancock counties to motorists by Nov. 16, the 75th anniversary of the opening of the original bridge it is replacing.

The Penobsoct Narrows Bridge and Observatory is being built to replace the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, which needs to be replaced because of its corroded suspension cables.

Officials previously projected opening the new bridge to traffic in December, but are now trying move up the opening date to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the original structure.

“We thought it would be exciting to replicate the date of that opening 75 years later,” said Carol Morris, a DOT spokeswoman. “We’re looking to see if we can move the schedule ahead.”

Pedestrians will be allowed on the bridge on Oct. 14, which the transportation department has tentatively set as the initial opening of the bridge and the public observatory that is being constructed on top of one of the bridge’s support towers.

The 420-foot glass-enclosed observation tower will offer commanding 360-degree views of Fort Knox, the Penobscot River and surrounding towns.