The final look for the new Memorial Bridge will be conjured up at a public input meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Ramkota Hotel.

The state Department of Transportation decided last year that the Memorial Bridge, built in 1922, had deteriorated to the point of replacement. They'll begin building a four-lane bridge, at an estimated $40 million to $43 million, in 2007. The bridge is currently in its design stages.

Terry Udland, state bridge engineer for NDDOT, said nothing has been decided yet, and all options are still open. He's hoping for a large turnout Wednesday and will present options to enhance the bridge.

"We're looking for if anyone has a better idea on how to make a better look, if they have an idea on color or texture we haven't thought of," he said. "We'll present and get a feel for what we want."

NDDOT doesn't seek public input on all projects, but Udland said with a structure with such high visibility, it's important to know what the public desires. Still, freelance archaeologist Amy Sakariassen of Bismarck doesn't think the input will make all that much difference. She says the dollars involved are the top priority of the project and will trump the desire of a "nice" bridge.

"Everything I've heard since I've been involved is that we'll be asked so we get the feeling we've had our input, but I don't think it will influence the appearance much," she said.

Not true, Udland says. With a project of such high profile, visibility and importance to the community, the public's wishes are taken into consideration. Money matters, but $1 million of the bridge's cost is set aside specifically for enhancing details.

"When we have something right in the middle of two cities like this, we want to do it right," he said.

Even though she's pessimistic, Sakariassen said it's important for the public to be involved in designing the bridge.

"It's a public bridge and we're paying for it," she said. "We have cared about the old one forever, and we're going to have a new one that we are going to have to care about just as long."

(Reach reporter Angie Buckley at 250-8255 or angiebuckley@ndonline.com)