A new "gateway" to Oakland will be opened tomorrow.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has scheduled a ribbon-cutting for 2 p.m. on the new Boulevard of Allies bridge just south of the city's educational and medical district.

It's the highlight of the two-year, $29 million project to replace a deteriorated bridge crossing Forbes Avenue and provide a direct connection from Fifth Avenue to the boulevard in the inbound direction.

For motorists, opening the new bridge promises smoother traffic flow on the Boulevard of Allies, which had been closed for construction since January.

For the Oakland Transportation Management Association and other groups that worked with PennDOT on design, the new bridge also represents a long-sought, aesthetic entry point to Oakland.

PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler, of Crafton, is to join elected and civic officials for the ceremony. Then the bridge is to be opened to the public.

During construction, Forbes leading into Oakland was closed some weekends and restricted to a single lane at other times, causing delays for motorists and forcing 19 Port Authority bus routes onto a short detour.