Earlier this week, local officials were able to make their first trek across the new Ironton-Russell Bridge.

While it has been a long and winding road, seeing the final segment and connection of the Ohio and Kentucky portions marks a significant milestone for our community.

The finish line is directly in sight as the bridge is scheduled to open to traffic later this fall. There is work left to be done, but seeing the officials from various entities along with the mayors of the two communities, Ironton and Russell, is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

There have been several milestones throughout the project’s history that began back in late 2012, but having the ability to see it connected for residents’ shows just how far the project has come.

For many, this has been a project that they thought might never happen, as the bridge replacement project had been scrapped in the past. But now, the dreams have come to fruition, and the completion is on the horizon.

It can certainly be viewed as the dawn of a new era for Ironton and surrounding areas. Now, the charge is for us as a community to continue to improve downtown Ironton and make it a destination.