CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Residents who drive in from south of Clarksville will have a smoother ride starting Saturday with the opening of the first half of the new McClure Bridge.

Starting Saturday at 9 a.m, traffic will be diverted to the new McClure bridge, which carries Highway 48 over the Cumberland River, according to an announcement by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

McClure Bridge, shown from south of the Cumberland River, on Nov. 6, 2020. (Chris Smith, Clarksville Now)

Deputies will be onsite from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to help direct traffic as drivers become accustomed to the change.

The Sheriff’s Office noted that this will be a permanent changes as demolition begins on the old bridge, which will later be rebuilt.

South Cumberland Drive near the CMCSS service complex, looking north, on Nov. 6, 2020.