It´s just about open.

The long-awaited opening of the East Sonora Expressway is scheduled for this Thursday morning.

MyMotherLode.com and KVML News has learned the grand opening of the Phase I of the new bypass is set for 10 o´clock this Thursday morning atop the Sullivan Creek Bridge.

Speeches are planned by dignitaries, including representatives from Caltrans, Tuolumne County and the California Transportation Commission.

Alfred Blum is Sonora-based construction resident engineer for Caltrans.

He told KVML news recently that, even though the Expressway will now be open, some work will still have to be done.

Motorists will see some lane and shoulder closures, mainly at night so not to impact traffic adversely.

Officials promise that traffic will flow after the ribbon cutting, sometime around 11 a.m. Thursday morning.