As part of the festivities in downtown Ironton on Wednesday morning for the grand opening of the new Oakley C. Collins Memorial Bridge, Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith introduced three former mayors who had integral parts in making the bridge possible.

Current Ironton City Councilmen Bob Cleary and Rich Blankenship, who served as mayor from 1997-2003 and 2007-2015 respectively, and interim Ironton City Finance Director John Elam, who served as mayor from 2003-2007, were recognized during the ceremony.

Cleary, who was in office for the initial discussions and to sign the initial paperwork to get the project started, said that he was very happy about seeing the project completed.

“It’s very exciting,” Cleary said. “Going back to when I was in office, the location was the most difficult challenge. I really felt like I’d never see it built.”

Cleary added that the project was bid a couple different times before the final project came to be.

“It was a great day,” Cleary said of the bridge grand opening. “I was glad to be a small part of the program and to see it open. I think the bridge will really enhance Ironton, and the city will really prosper from having it. I think we’ll see an influx of traffic, which is good for Ironton’s economy, and it will really help Ironton start moving forward again.”

Elam, who was in office for the initial design stage, said the bridge and the opening ceremony are great for the community.

“I think it’s great for both communities and both states for this project to come to fruition,” he said. “The ceremony was very nice and probably could have went on for hours if everyone who had been thanked by name was here. It’s nice to see representatives from both states at this dedication.”

While Elam was in office, the initial design came back over budget and was redesigned just after Elam left office.

In the beginning of Blankenship’s term, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) had a shortage of funds for the project, and it was delayed. ODOT considered a Public Private Partnership (P3), though it was determined not to be viable route to take due to worries about not completing the project.

“I knew this was very important to our community when I came into office. The project was on and off for a few years, and I continued to work with ODOT,” Blankenship said. “When I received notice that the project might not be possible, I personally told ODOT that I was going to call the director and he gave me a meeting two days later.”

Blankenship said during his 45-minute meeting, he pleaded with ODOT director Jerry Wray about the need for the bridge, and, a few weeks later, he was told that the bridge would be built.

“I’m very happy that this day has come for both sides of the river. I truly hope it brings prosperity to both communities,” Blankenship said. “I want to thank ODOT, Brayman Construction and God for the safety of the men and women who worked on the bridge.”