A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on the Big Four Bridge today. Construction will now begin on re-decking the old railroad bridge across the Ohio River.
Congressman John Yarmuth congratulated Governor Beshear, Louisville Mayor Fischer and Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan for their teamwork on getting the project started.
“This will be something that will bring us closer together, will stimulate economic activity on both sides of the river and will mean so much to our citizens just in terms of the quality of life.”
Governor Beshear also made a commitment on making this the first step in a larger endeavor.
“I want to stand here and assure you right now, not only are we going to finishe the big four bridge project, we are going to build the Ohio River Bridges and finish that project.”
When the work is completed, the Big Four Bridge will be the longest pedestrian bridge over water in the United States. Officials say it will eliminate the need for a pedestrian walkway on a new downtown bridge over the Ohio River and reduce costs for that project. You can read about the Big Four financing plan here.
Governor Beshear and Mayor Fischer later appeared at the Old Fort Nelson building at 8th and Main streets to announce the creation of a Michter’s Whiskey distillery.
Possible school redistricting and closures, sewer updates, the Colgate building changing hands, strife between mayors and town councils… the Sunny Side of the Ohio has a lot going on that may fly under the radar for Louisvillians. This Monday, we’ll talk with the mayors of New Albany and Jeffersonville and the President of Clarksville’s Town Council, to find out what’s new in Southern Indiana.