Lecompton ? Rains earlier this month slowed construction on the Lecompton Bridge over the Kansas River, crushing hopes the project may finish ahead of schedule.

The bridge still is set to open in time for the original Aug. 10 deadline, but high waters flooded equipment and materials stored on the Kansas River’s north bank. Meanwhile, two trains holding other supplies were completely submerged in water. Keith Browning, Douglas County engineer, said the contractor, A.M. Cohron & Son Inc., likely won’t earn much or any of the incentive money – $10,000 a day – for completing the job ahead of schedule.

“It definitely slowed construction but it still looks like it will open to traffic on August 10, maybe a day before,” Browning said.

The bridge closed March 12 so workers could replace the concrete deck. The contractor will be charged $10,000 a day for each day the bridge remains closed after Aug. 10.