Chief of Fort William First Nation says it could happen by Saturday.

THUNDER BAY — There are indications the James Street swing bridge could open to vehicular traffic within the next few days.

CN has made no official announcement, but Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins says "it may be as early as Saturday."

Collins said his community is still waiting for CN to disclose its plans.

The bridge has been closed to vehicles for six years as the result of a fire that damaged part of it.

The City of Thunder Bay took CN to court to force it to make the necessary repairs.

Collins said reopening the bridge has become even more important since the incident this week on Highway 61 in which a CN railway overpass was damaged.

Repairs are expected to disrupt traffic on the highway – a common route between the city and the First Nation – for a few weeks.

Collins said opening the swing bridge is important for the safety of his community's members, especially children and elders.