A crack discovered on the inside of Clifton Bridge in 2018 sparked further investigations into the structural integrity of the busiest transport route in Nottingham.
Highways England released a picture of damaged concrete to show just what engineers are currently up against as they work to reopen the A52 as quickly as possible.
The crack, found during an inspection two years ago, has since been repaired but led to a wider investigation into any further internal damage in the bridge.
On February 6, the eastbound carriageway was completely closed after steel cables inside the structure were found to be more corroded than previously thought.
Highways England says its bridge network is inspected every two years, with regular maintenance taking place behind the scenes, particularly at night when disruption can be kept at a minimum.
It is now hoped one lane on the right-hand side of the eastbound bridge will be reopened this afternoon (February 12), allowing traffic to travel towards Clifton, the A453 and the M1.
Highways England regional director Catherine Brookes said: "We are aiming to open one lane this afternoon.
"That lane will be far over to the right-hand side. The area that we have found to be damaged is over to the left-hand side, so we are keeping traffic as far away from that as possible.
"There will be barriers down both sides so it will be clear to people. They will not be able to go over."
Highways England said the picture shows the type of problem engineers are having to investigate, with many tight areas to navigate and eventually break-out the concrete, then repair any corroded steel within.
The bridge remains structurally safe, it added, and safety barriers are being put in place to allow traffic to drive over the bridge as soon as possible.
