Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Newport schedules Purple People Bridge repairs; state allocates $2 million for lighting
Loading...
Summary
City staff announced a contractor will mobilize April 27 and pedestrians will be blocked May 4–June 8 for repairs to the Purple People Bridge; City Manager John Hayden said the state included $2,000,000 in the budget earmarked for LED lighting.
City staff told the Newport Board of Commissioners on April 20 that bids for critical repairs to the Purple People Bridge were approved and a contractor plans to mobilize on April 27. Staff warned the public that there will be a full pedestrian closure from May 4 through June 8 during initial repairs for safety reasons.
City Manager John Hayden said taking ownership of the bridge and active advocacy in Frankfort helped secure a state budget allocation. “The state has allocated through this year's budget $2,000,000, which will be used, was earmarked for the purposes of LED lighting on the bridge,” Hayden said. City officials described the funding as an important building block that will make it easier to attract additional partners and private fundraising for broader repairs and programming.
Staff emphasized the work’s safety imperative and said they will publish a press release and social media notices about the closure and alternative routes. Commissioners noted the closure will affect a Tri State Trails event scheduled for May 15; staff reported they are coordinating with the event organizers on an alternate date.
The commission discussed next steps for design and fundraising and said a bridge committee including regional business leaders and elected officials has been meeting to coordinate efforts.
