Aug 19, 2005 - 06:00:09 CDT
NEW TOWN (AP) - A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the new Four Bears Bridge is scheduled Oct. 3, Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Tex Hall says.The ceremony also will mark 50 years since the old bridge was dedicated in October 1955.
Hall said the tribe is making plans for activities starting Friday, Sept. 30, and through that weekend, leading up to the dedication ceremony.
Many of the activities being planned are similar to those held 50 years ago during the dedication of the old bridge.
The new bridge, spanning about 4,500 feet across Lake Sakakawea, is the single largest bridge contract awarded by the state Transportation Department.
Fru-Con Construction, a bridge-builder from Missouri, was awarded the $55.4 million contract for the project, financed with state and federal funds.
Construction started in 2003.
The last precast segment for the new bridge was placed last month.
Senior engineer Jerry Krieg of Dickinson, who has worked at the Four Bears Bridge construction site since early on, said the new bridge is expected to be opened to traffic soon even though work will continue on it.
Crews are working on the bridge lighting, barrier rail and curbs, and other clean-up items, he said, and a company is grinding the deck to take out any irregularities.
A demolition company in St. Paul, Minn., has been subcontracted by Fru-Con to remove the old bridge soon.
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.