The three-year, $287 million project is Ohio's largest transportation project, and is nearing the end of the planning phase.
Builder Walsh Construction and designer HNTB Ohio are still soliciting design ideas, through the ODOT web site, from bridge users and nearby residents.
At tonight's meeting at the Pilgrim Church Fellowship Hall in Tremont, they'll offer comparative views of the neighborhood, allowing visitors to see for themselves how the bridge proposal fits its surrounding.
Cathie Farroll of HNTB says examples of pictures they'll bring include:
CATHIE FARROLL:
"the wall outside of Progressive Field... buildings down in the Flats area that reflect the really historic kinds of color combinations.... references that the designers used, when they were looking at "How can we make this say Cleveland?'"
The method is called `context sensitive design', customizing to the location in an effort to keep the bridge distinct; while not clashing with its surroundings.
Local advocates have been meeting for years to craft how things from ramps to overlooks to railings will be viewed. But Farroll says the wishes of those who live there... could be given priority.
300 people have already taken an on-line survey asking their choices for 'the look'.
The company hopes others will weigh in - either at the meeting - or by going to the web site, before midnight.
Presentations and opportunities to talk with designers will go on continuously from 5 until 8 pm.
The address for the meeting is 2592 W. 14th Street, Cleveland (Tremont)
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
