Bainbridge Island officials said Wednesday the city expects to reopen the Waterfront Park pedestrian bridge in the next few months.

The bridge was closed Sept. 19 after “significant rot damage” was discovered to one of the 11-inch piles that support the bridge.

The rotting pile — likely caused by insect damage — was discovered by KPFF Engineering, which was hired by the city to access the bridge, which also supports water and sewer lines.

The city has worked with the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get approval for repair work, and the city has selected and signed a contract with KPFF to design the repair effort.

The design is scheduled to be completed in early November, with a construction contract anticipated soon after, city officials said.

The city will open the bridge following the repairs as soon as possible, officials said.