Governor Steve Beshear has announced that $300,000 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has been approved for restoration of aesthetic lighting on a treasured landmark of Maysville – the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge over the Ohio River.
The famed “necklace” lights that outline the 84-year-old suspension bridge were switched off in February 2014 after inspectors found exposed wiring, damaged or inadequate connectors, missing and damaged junction box covers and other electrical safety hazards.
“With this funding, a safety hazard for pedestrians and drivers can be removed,” Gov. Beshear said.
“At the same time, a point of civic pride can be restored because the Simon Kenton is more than just a bridge. It’s a showpiece for the city of Maysville,” Gov. Beshear added.
“This is important for the citizens of Maysville and Mason County and the many visitors who are drawn to our historic community,” said state Rep. Mike Denham, of Maysville.
“I commend Governor Beshear and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and especially Secretary Mike Hancock and District Highway Engineer Bart Bryant for their awareness and support, and we sincerely appreciate the funding of this project. I also want to thank Maysville City Manager Ray Young for his assistance,” Denham added.
“We certainly appreciate this funding, as the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge is a staple of Mason County and the city of Maysville,” said state Sen. Steve West.
“To restore the lighting back to the way it was will be a breath of fresh air for the community,” West commented.
The funding total includes $50,000 for design work that will determine how much of the lighting system can be restored and how much must be replaced. The remaining $250,000 is for installation.
The city of Maysville will maintain the lighting system thereafter, under terms of a memorandum of agreement that awaits approval by the Maysville City Commission.
Design work will commence upon the city’s approval of the agreement and may take several months.
The project does not involve street lights or navigation lights on the bridge, which connects Maysville and Aberdeen, Ohio.
(story provided by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)
