Relief is on the way for commuters who have been stuck in traffic tie-ups on or near the Throgs Neck Bridge.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says there was ?significant? damage to the bridge due to a fire earlier this month, requiring the reinforcement and replacement of steel.

The MTA says as of Tuesday, the southbound Throgs Neck is fully open to all vehicles. The agency says a ban for most trucks will be lifted Saturday. Starting Aug. 10, the northbound Cross Island Parkway ramp will reopen as well as the northbound lane of the bridge.

MTA officials believe the fire was an accident started by a construction crew's blowtorch.