Plans for the construction of a new Ironton-Russell bridge continue to take shape.

John F. Hagen, Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 deputy director, updated the Ironton City Council at Thursday's meeting.

The preliminary designs were completed last month. Final designs are not expected to be completed until March 2005, Hagen said.

"It is a good design," Hagen said. "I think we have come up with a relatively simple bridge that should be constructed relatively easy. Everything is moving right along."

The project will construct a cable-stayed bridge similar in design to the 31st Street (East End) Bridge in Huntington, W.Va., with segmental walls on both sides.

The projected location calls for construction to begin near the intersection of Second and Jefferson streets in Ironton and connect to the intersection of Kentucky Route 244 and U.S. Route 23 in Russell.

The construction bids could be awarded in October 2005. Construction could begin in April 2006 and be completed in October 2008. Removal of the old bridge is scheduled to begin in April 2009 and be completed in October.