With no public fanfare, a $10.7 million makeover of the Milford Haven Bridge, which carries Route 223 traffic over Milford Haven from the Mathews County mainland on Cricket Hill to Gwynn’s Island, wrapped up in early October.

Thus, the oldest and busiest swing span maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, which was dedicated in November 1939, received a thorough renovation that will prolong its working life.

Kelly Hannon, a public information officer for VDOT, said limited openings started more than two years ago, and a long period with no openings (Aug. 15, 2022-March 15, 2023) was followed by additional limited openings.

Back to normal, the bridge began to open on demand for marine traffic on Oct. 15.

The rehab got underway in early 2022 and completion was delayed for several months awaiting fabrication, installation, fitting, and testing the bridge’s center bearing and rack gear, Hannon said.

These devices are critical to swinging open the central par...