The city of Newport is moving forward with long-term structural improvements to the Purple People Bridge, starting next week, alongside a $2 million state investment to bring color-changing LED lighting to the iconic landmark.
Construction on the Cincinnati approach is scheduled to begin April 27 and continue through August. To safely complete this work, temporary closures will be required throughout the construction period. The most significant closure will block access at the Cincinnati approach from May 4 through June 8.
The city assumed ownership of the bridge last September and has been working to fully repair and stabilize it. At the Newport Board of Commissioners special meeting on March 9, the city voted on an agreement with Structural Systems Repair Group, LLC, for repairs to the Purple People Bridge. The agreement also states that the repairs should not exceed $331,786, though Newport anticipates the project will cost closer to $272,741…