For the first time since September, drivers will be able to use Wayne Avenue Thursday morning.

Beginning at 8 a.m., the route will be open to traffic once again, according to Zanesville Engineer Chip Saunders.

During a City Council meeting Tuesday night, Mayor Jeff Tilton announced the road would open by the end of the week — nearly one month ahead of schedule.

Both lanes closed for repairs on Sept. 16 between Marietta Street and the Medal of Honor Bridge at SR 555.

The road had been down to one lane since February due to road slippage from flooding and severe weather.

It was originally estimated that the project would take 90 days to complete, which included culvert replacements and slip repairs.

Tilton attributed the earlier completion date to good weather and the utilization of two companies for the project —SHELLY & SANDS, Inc., which oversaw the road repair, and BUDS Inc., which handled the culvert replacement.

“I appreciate the citizens,” said Tilton, who acknowledged the traffic delays and buildup on the Sixth Street bridge due to the closure. “I know it was tough. Hopefully this fixes the problem.”