Days after a cable snapped on the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, officials said it could be a few weeks before the bridge is reopened to traffic.

The bridge was built before the Civil War, and officials with the West Virginia Division of Highways said this is the first time a stay cable has snapped on the bridge.

Dave Sada, WVDOH bridge engineer, said the stay cable snapped on Saturday because of rust buildup.

The cable itself sits on the downtown Wheeling side of the bridge and connects to the stiffening truss. Together, the truss and the cable work to keep base from swaying. Because of the damaged cable, the bridge is not as stable as it could be.

"I'd say within about three weeks (until repairs can be made). We have to see what exactly we can do to repair the cable and we want to make sure we repair it so it doesn't happen again," Sada said.

The cost to repair the damage was not known as of Monday.

Officials are suggesting that drivers who normally use the suspension bridge take the Fort Henry Bridge for now.

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