Tomorrow marks a momentous day for the cities of Ironton, Ohio, and Russell, Kentucky, as the ceremonies of the new Ironton-Russell bridge officially opens to traffic after more than four years of construction and more than a decade of planning after the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recommended replacement of the old Ironton-Russell bridge. Those events and ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m.

While it is certainly bittersweet to know that once the ceremonies opening the new bridge take place and the old bridge that has been serving as the main connection between Ironton and Russell since 1922 will be closed to traffic, the opening of the new span marks a big step for Lawrence County and the entire region’s future.

Many people played a role in bringing the new bridge to Ironton, but many consider, and rightfully so, former Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship. He fought relentlessly and was ultimately successful in seeing this project come to fruition. This was evident back in 2012 during the groundbreaking ceremony when ODOT Director Jerry Wray mentioned that the project wouldn’t have been where at was if not for Blankenship’s efforts.  We hope that Blankenship is a big part of the ceremony on Wednesday. We also are pleased that the new bridge will be named for the late Sen. Oakley C. Collins who was one of the longest serving legislators in Columbus for 40 years. This recognition is very fitting and well deserved for someone who worked tirelessly to ensure those in the statehouse did not overlook Lawrence County and Southern Ohio for four decades.

In the end, this will be a historic day for Ironton, Russell, Lawrence County and Southern Ohio.