Starting Saturday, residents will be able to enjoy the sand and surf at Pleasure Beach for the first time in 18 years.
The city will run a water taxi that will take about 5 minutes to get to the beach. It will depart from the fishing pier on Central Avenue.
During the ride, passengers will pass the remainder of a bridge severely damaged in a 1996 fire. The beach has been off limits since that fire.
City officials say the revamped beach has showers, locker rooms, bathrooms and concession stands. They say visitors will be able to come swim, relax, picnic and go on nature walks.
Bridgeport police say there will be at least two officers and four lifeguards on duty while the beach is open. Emergency crews performed drills Tuesday to ensure they were ready to protect the public.