Published: June 27, 2009 09:10 pm      

Kennedy bridge to get paint job in Jeffersonville

Work on underside of bridge will cost about $4 million

Part of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge will soon receive a fresh coat of paint.

As part of federal stimulus projects, the Indiana Department of Transportation, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will paint the underside of the bridge carrying Interstate 65 across the Ohio River at Riverside Drive and Market Street in Jeffersonville, according to a press release from state Rep. Ed Clere’s office.

“The bridge is highly visible to vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Riverside Drive in an area that has experienced major redevelopment in recent years,” Clere said in the release. “Painting the bridge will complement and support the public and private investment that has made the Jeffersonville riverfront such a pleasant place to visit.”

The steel members under the bridge, that make up the approach for the Ohio River crossing, will cost about $4 million, said Jim Ude, from INDOT’s Seymour district.

Bidding for the project is expected to be let out Wednesday, Ude said. The timeline for the completion of the project is Nov. 1, according to the press release.