State officials know where the bridge will go and what type of structure it will be but are still in the process of finalizing the aesthetic touches that will make blend with the two river communities. The existing span that is 82 years old bridge will be replaced by 2009.

ODOT and the architectural firm Baker and Associates, of Dublin, hosted an informational meeting Monday with local leaders from Ironton, Lawrence County and Russell, Ky., about specific cosmetic-type touches such as wall decorations, the color, landscaping, lighting and more.

While the bridge will be state-of-the-art, it should also "reflect who you are," said Karen Young, major program manager for ODOT's central office in Columbus.

"We do not have a one-size fits all for design. These are just some ideas," Young said. "When we go into a community, you are going to tell us what works."

Another meeting has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Ohio University Southern's Bowman Auditorium. Community members or representatives for civic organizations interested in providing input should contact the mayor's office at 532-3833.

"The residents of Ironton will have an opportunity for their thoughts and ideas to be heard for the aesthetic design of the bridge," Mayor John Elam said. "The design of the new bridge will provide the canvas for Ironton to identify itself with graphic representation and landscaping."

Projected to cost approximately $69 million, approximately one percent of that will be set aside for aesthetics.

ODOT plans to construct a 2,500 foot, cable-stayed bridge similar in design to the 31st Street (East End) Bridge in Proctorville, with segmental retaining walls on both sides. At its highest point on the central tower, the bridge will rise approximately 500 feet above the river.

The projected location calls for the approach to begin near the intersection of Second and Jefferson streets in Ironton and connect to the intersection of Kentucky 244 and U.S. 23 in Russell.

Designs call for the two segmented walls on the approach that will span approximately 600 feet from the ground to approximately 25 foot in height. The section from Madison to Monroe will be the most visible and could be decorative.

Preliminary designs for the new bridge were completed in January. Final designs are not expected to be completed until March 2005 but the property acquisition began this year.

Construction bids could be awarded in October 2005. Physical construction could begin in April 2006 and be completed in October 2008. Removal of the old bridge is scheduled to begin in April 2009 and be completed that October.