As part of the original contract with Mason–Connor and Thompson Construction, the old span would be demolished. However, in mid-June, the state announced the old bridge would be used by motorists once again. The new span needed its opening mechanisms adjusted, resulting in a several week closure of the new span. These adjustments were completed by the end of July. The bridge closed again on August 31, 1972, with the mechanisms requiring more adjustments; detours were conducted through the old bridge. By September 12, it was announced the new span would continue to be closed until the problem of why the bridges was not closing properly was figured out and fixed, resulting in at least another two weeks of delay.