NEWPORT — The new Shortway Bridge linking 11th Street in Newport and 12th Street in Covington across the Licking River may be open this weekend, but the long-awaited opening also might not take place until early next week.

Charlie Sturgeon paints the side of the new bridge linking Newport and Covington on Thursday. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Larry Roberts, spokesman for the Kentucky Highway Department's district office in Fort Mitchell, said Thursday that officials had hoped to open one lane in each direction of the four-lane bridge today, but that probably won't happen.

        “Workers are still doing some final work and continuing to stripe the lanes of the bridge,” Mr. Roberts explained. “It's possible that two lanes could be open by late (today), but it's more likely Saturday or Sunday.”

        Larry Trenkamp, construction engineer for the highway district office, said he could be certain only that the first two lanes of the bridge would be open by Tuesdayor Wednesday.

        The new four-lane bridge replaces the 100-year-old two-lane structure that at one time was a toll bridge. The old bridge will be dismantled after the new bridge is open and utility lines have been transferred.

        “The utility companies will be moving lines to the new bridge for another six or seven months, and there will be temporary lane closings during that period,” Mr. Roberts said.

        The new bridge will be officially dedicated in late October. It also will bear a new name, but highway officials have not announced it.

        Newport and Covington received many letters and calls about naming the bridge; the information was passed on to the highway department for a final decision.
       

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