After Kansas City Southern Railway received its second extension for a project that was supposed to have been finished in June, we were skeptical that the Washington Street bridge would ever be completed.

We pointed out that the closure since 2008 has created a nuisance — a costly one at that — to businesses and travelers on one of Vicksburg’s main north-south thoroughfares. The required detour from Washington to Lee to Drummond to Army-Navy has been more than a pain in the neck.

Now, however, we’re feeling the kinks being worked out. The trucks are moving, the dirt is being packed and even nearby residents are quick to cite the progress that is evident up to 21 hours a day.

The project needs to be finished and, we’re happy to see, it’s coming closer and closer by the day and truckload. Until midweek, the construction crews were blessed with nearly pristine autumn weather, quite a turnaround from previous seasons during the job.

Under the latest City of Vicksburg-imposed deadline, Kansas City Southern has until the end of February to finish the project. That’s three months and a day, so we hope the word “extension” won’t have to even be muttered again. Two extensions were too many, and what’s done should be done.

Tangible progress can be seen on the 315-foot bridge that has been a major hassle for Vicksburg’s residents, businesses and visitors. We’re glad.