Replacement of a broken steel cable that helps hold the Hood Canal Bridge in place is scheduled to begin Thursday.

State Department of Transportation Olympic Region Communication Manager Lloyd Brown said the work will take about a week.

The cable was discovered hanging slack Aug. 11 during a regular bridge inspection.

Transportation officials hoped to replace the cable by today, but experienced delays in hiring a contractor.

Mason Construction of Seattle will complete the work estimated to cost $118,705.

The cable is located on the Kitsap County half of the bridge at the northeast part of the drawspan that opens to allow vessel traffic to transit Hood Canal.