The Gwynn’s Island bridge is now open to marine traffic six times a day, the Virginia Department of Transportation announced last week.

The moveable swing span bridge over Milford Haven will open to boats at 2 a.m., 5 a.m., 8 a.m. 11 a.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. According to VDOT, this schedule of daily openings will continue until a long-term repair project begins later this year.

The scheduled bridge openings will ensure vehicles on Route 223 (Old Ferry Road) have continuous access to travel between Gwynn’s Island and mainland Mathews County, especially emergency services, said the release. The scheduled times will allow the bridge to open to large vessels and reduce the frequency of heat-related disruptions.

VDOT suspended bridge openings to marine traffic on June 10 after the structure could not be closed properly. When the structure opens to watercraft, Route 223 closes to vehicular traffic, which leads to congestion and unpredictable travel times for Gwynn’s Island resident...