Just go with the boring blue to correspond with the boring gray of the Taylor Southgate. Teal sounds good, but no ones even said that.

Am I missing something?

 

What's wrong with the current color?  The bridge looks good in its current color, so they should just repaint it in the same one as the last time.

^AHHH!

 

This is exactly what I get upset about. People just thinking of the status guo, the if it ain't broke, don't fix it theory. Why not investigate the possiblity of a massive improvement, even if the current isn't necessarily bad. In this case, it shouldn't cost anything else, so why not? Improvments should always be the goal if possible in the realm of financing, etc.

 

I see where you are coming from because the arguing and lack of anyone with balls has gone on too long, but I don't like the attitude which I many times think government agencies employ.

Well, I did see some mock-ups of the different colors several years ago, and the current color looks the best.  The sky blue gives one a nice bright feeling on a sunny day when you look up at the skyline through the steelwork.

 

The thing that bothers me is that you have some people that are mindlessly saying things like "Paint it UK blue!"  We are talking about a major landmark here.  As someone who has spent many years in the state of Kentucky, I can tell you that the state's inhabitants do not have the most sophisticated cultural sensibilities. 

 

I am all for experimenting with various color palettes, but I would rather do it on mediocre structures like the Taylor-Southgate.

^The Kentucky Wildcat Blue doesn't look bad, but I don't like peoples thoughtless suggestion either. Call it navy or royal and make it an option. I would never want to see people calling it the Wildcat bridge or something dumb and discriminatory as that. Yet like I said, I like the dark blue.

Here is a quote from Daniel Libeskind on the bridge's current color:

 

"I've always liked the blue," admitted Libeskind, who chose light blue balconies and glass, along with sandstone-colored composite materials for the tower, to reflect the bridge's colors.

 

I agree with him.  The two colors go well together and I hope that they will remain.  Believe me, many things in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky should change...but this is not one of them.

I like the current color. More like the same hue as the Statue of Liberty.

I like the current color, too, although I wouldn't mind that greenish color they were talking about, either.  I think a light color would be better than a dark blue.

On the top of the two piers are brick structures. These were built in the 1990's to replace the domes. Their purpose is to protect the cables from the weather.

 

Interestingly, the domes were not original, what is there now was rebuilt to return the bridge to its original design that had been replaced by the domes.

Looking at the pics, I wish the verticle cables were more substancial, maybe brown would be good. Still I think the royal blue would look very nice with the bright yellow and purple. It would be very dignified and distinctive.

 

The Taylor Southgate's color is terrible, but the actual bridge isn't a huge problem. The highway style piers are what is out of place. I wish they could be made more decorative.

 

    The piers of the Taylor Southgate bridge (New Central Bridge) are larger than they need to be to hold the bridge up. They were designed to withstand a tow collision. Only in the last 50 years or so have the tows been so large; thus, the other bridges have more slender piers, except the Roebling Bridge.

Cincy transit photo

 

I don't mind the piers being large, but they are so utiliatarian, just like a highway overpass.

i never noticed that the trusswork was not original...it looked so much more elegant without it.  the bridge also looked so much more substantial before the river was dammed as the piers were not quite in the water and visible from top to bottom

Can you elaborate, or telling me what your talking about.

Though this guy is quite possibly a crook, I do agree with him here.

 

Fletcher on bridge: Keep it blue

By Mike Rutledge, Cincinnati Enquirer | November 17, 2005

 

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher is the latest to weigh in on the colorful topic of what hue the Roebling Suspension Bridge should be.  His choice? Light blue.  "I like the color it is right now," Fletcher said Wednesday after the groundbreaking for the 22-story condominium tower, Ascent at Roebling's Bridge. "And if I have any input on it, they will paint it a color that will match this project, because it would tie in very nicely."

 

That comes as good news to architect Daniel Libeskind, who designed the crescent-shaped luxury tower and used light shades of blue to pick up the bridge's color scheme.  While Libeskind tried to avoid a color debate - saying earlier this year it was more the bridge's graceful shape that captivated him - Libeskind did admit: "I've always liked the blue."

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051117/NEWS0103/511170386/1059/NEWS01

i like the verdigris option.  it would look just as nice with the ascents blue and create a little variation too.  Libeskind doesnt get a vote....then again neither does ohio

i like the verdigris option.  it would look just as nice with the ascents blue and create a little variation too.  Libeskind doesnt get a vote....then again neither does ohio

 

You don't think OH has any say so in this?

You don't think OH has any say so in this?

 

Do they?

No, Ohio has no say.  It is not our bridge.  Until just a few years ago, the entire river itself belonged to Kentucky.  That has since been changed due to a court battle between Indiana (maybe Illinois) vs Kentucky.  Since the river has been widened considerably due to dams etc, the border was changed to the northern low-water mark as it was in 1792 when Kentucky became a state.

 

PigBoy and I were having an off-topic discussion on this in this thread...some links to the 1980 court case between Ohio and Kentucky, then later to the 1991 case between Indiana and Kentucky...it's actually the 1792 low water mark (based on the premise that Virginia ceded all the lands "north of the Ohio," I guess to the Western Reserve, back in the day...since there was land north of the Ohio going all the way down to the low-water mark, that resulted in the wacky boundary definition.

Maybe Ohio should take by force the portion of the bridge over its territory, then paint that section with those silly Bengals stripes so that there can be a ridiculous-looking bridge with one third painted one way and two thirds painted another way.

 

Of course, that might prompt Kentucky to invade Ohio, starting a conflict which would eventually escalate into the second Civil War.  On the plus side, in another hundred years the suspension bridge would be a nationally famous historical site, drawing thousands of tourists.  Yay!

If the colors stinks, I say we put up a sign on the Ohio entrance, "Yeah, we know, Kentucky choose it."

 

^Good idea Pigboy. Maybe we can bomb NOTL in the process (as long as no one is injured of course).

I say go forth and keep this truly wonderful bridge in as good condition as possible.  This is a gem that is in great need of some attention.  As for painting the bridge I am for returning it to its orignal sand color...not Kentucky Wildcat Blue....lets grow up and celebrate history, not some college bball team.

Yup, might as well keep it in good condition.  As an occasional visitor to Cincinnati the biggest annoyance this would cause me is not being able to walk across!

 

As for the painting, there's a thread all about it, but for the record I like the present color.

While we have no Banks, go ahead and get it done. While they are doing electrical work, it would be nice to see period lighting fixtures, instead of cobraheads.

While we have no Banks, go ahead and get it done. While they are doing electrical work, it would be nice to see period lighting fixtures, instead of cobraheads.

 

Great idea...that is my thought as well with the original paint color of the bridge.  We should really embrace and promote the fact that it was the basis for the Brooklyn Bridge and then the Goldengate Bridge.  Cincy has some history that is second to none.  Roebling Suspension Bridge was also the tallest structure in the Ohio Valley for some time until PNC Tower was built.

Walkers want bridge open

Pedestrians hope they can use it during repairs

By Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer

 

If the 140-year-old Roebling Suspension Bridge is closed to vehicles this fall, many residents and business owners hope people still will be able to walk across it.  Patricia Kessler rolled her eyes in dismay when she heard of the possible yearlong closing for repairs and painting. Kessler, of Covington, often walks across the bridge to shop in Cincinnati. She said her husband walks the bridge for exercise.

 

"It is the only bridge I use," Kessler said. "Every time I go to Cincinnati, I go across that bridge. It would be a major inconvenience. I would have to get on the interstate (71/75) bridge and cross four lanes of traffic."  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet expects the work will begin in October and take at least a year. The bridge either will be closed completely to vehicle traffic or one lane will remain open during repairs.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/NEWS0103/604130406/1059/rss13

"It is the only bridge I use," Kessler said. "Every time I go to Cincinnati, I go across that bridge. It would be a major inconvenience. I would have to get on the interstate (71/75) bridge and cross four lanes of traffic."

 

She must not know about the two other bridges...especially the one only a few blocks to the west.  This is rediculous and exactly why certain things take so long to get off the ground around here.  The nearsighted attitude of people just drives me insane!!  Id rather see that thing rot and fall into the river, or make the state pay and extra 1.4 million than be slightly inconvenienced.  Obviously the writer only mentioned the negative remarks...because thats what writers do...but come on people! 

 

This is definately great news though.  I hope the improve the lighting on the main cables. 

I was reading the paper this morning at breakfast and someone asked me where the bridge on the front was. I couldn't convince them it was in Cincy without showing them the text. Turns out, the person lives in Wyoming, and no, not the state.

^ It's seriously amazing at how people can be so oblivious to the world around them.

 

But, sadly, this kind of thing is pretty common in the Miami bubble

But, sadly, this kind of thing is pretty common in the Miami bubble

 

Miami bubble???????

^You've never heard of it because you are in your UC Bubble.

^You've never heard of it because you are in your UC Bubble.

 

Wait a minute....now UC has removed those bubbles and they no longer exist. :wink:

Maybe you (UC) never had a bubble because you've never been isolated out in middle of wester Butler county.

Maybe you (UC) never had a bubble because you've never been isolated out in middle of wester Butler county.

 

This may be true, but I was referring to the temporary structures that used to be on campus that many referred to as the 'food bubbles'. (they were used primarily as food courts)

Keep bridge walkways open, Ky. urged

Many fans use the Roebling to reach Reds games

By Cindy Schroeder, Cincinnati Enquirer | April 13, 2006

 

When Mayor Butch Callery walked across the Roebling Suspension Bridge last weekend, he said the No. 1 concern of Reds fans was this fall's planned yearlong closure of the span for painting and repairs.  "I had people coming up to me saying, 'Mayor, you've got to keep the walkways open,' " Callery said. "They said that was how they got to the ballgames."

 

On Tuesday, Covington City Commission adopted a resolution asking the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to allow pedestrian access to the bridge during the shutdown.  Callery, who proposed the resolution, said the bridge walkways need to stay open for the fans who park in Covington and walk to Reds and Bengals games.  He also said many Covington businesses depend on customers who walk to Cincinnati for sporting events.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/NEWS0103/604130406/1059/rss13

Props to Jake - the Enquirer is referencing his page!  Woo hoo!  As I always say, Cincinnati-transit.net is simply indispensible!

^^ Those people complaining are getting what they asked for. They should be living in DT Cincy instead. ;)

I didn't see the print version, was the site mentioned there?  I know it was last month for the subway article.  Sorry about the lack of updates in the last year, I will be working on it next week actually. 

 

I agree, I am am always a bit upset by the lack of appreciation for the bridge locally and nationally.  The US is a huge country, there are dozens and dozens of great bridges, but this one is really unique.

To add my two cents, I think it should close for a year and lets get it done.

Bridge stays open to walkers

Roebling fixes shouldn't block pedestrians, state says

By Cindy Schroeder, Cincinnati Enquirer | September 8, 2006

 

When major repairs to the Roebling Suspension Bridge begin this fall, walkers and joggers should have access to the historic span for most of the 5½-month-long project, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet worker confirmed Thursday.  Structural and electrical repairs are tentatively scheduled to start Nov. 13 and be finished by April 23, depending on weather, said Rob Hans, branch manager for planning in the cabinet's Northern Kentucky office. Penalties will be assessed if the project goes past the 161-calendar day completion date.

 

During construction, vehicular traffic will be rerouted to the nearby Clay Wade Bailey and Taylor Southgate bridges. State highway workers plan to keep at least one of the Suspension Bridge's two walkways open to pedestrians, Hans said.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060908/NEWS0103/609080412/1059/rss13

"Any decision on the bridge's paint color won't be made until the bid package for that project is put together, Hans said. Bids are expected to be let next year, and the painting would be finished in 2007 or 2008, depending on how early in the year a contract is awarded."

 

possibly 2008??? garbage! 

 

Man, I've been driving the suspension bridge every last chance I get of late...if I can come up with any excuse, I roll down the windows and listen to the hum as I cruise over the gorgeous bridge!

 

Ban of buses on bridge surprises TANK

By Luke E. Saladin, Cincinnati Post | March 17, 2007

 

Covington leaders' effort to keep full-sized buses off the Roebling Suspension Bridge when it reopens later this month has caught local mass transit officials off guard.  "I'm surprised and a little confused," Gina Douthat, a spokeswoman for the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, which provides bus service in Northern Kentucky, said Friday. "We've always had a good relationship with Covington, so it surprises me that they are doing this now."

 

Friday afternoon, the Covington City Commission voted to ask the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to prohibit heavy buses and trucks from using the bridge. The vote was 4-0 with Commissioner Steve Megerle absent.  The board did not stipulate a specific weight limit - it asked the state to make that determination.  Prior to closing for repairs in early November 2006, the bridge had a weight limit of 22 tons.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070317/NEWS01/703170355

Roebling is ready to reopen

By Kerry Duke, Cincinnati Post

 

Repairs that closed the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to vehicles for about four months are wrapping up, but on deck is a $6.5 million painting project of the span that will likely mean more detours for much of 2008.

 

The 140-year-old bridge is expected to reopen to vehicular traffic this week if the weather cooperates and allows crews to finish up the repairs. That's about a month earlier than forecast when the bridge closed Nov. 13 for the $3.1 million job that included upgrades to the steel grid deck and some support beams and replacement of the electrical wiring for the roadway, pedestrian and navigational lighting.

 

But before year's end, a painting contract for the bridge is expected to be awarded by the Kentucky Department of Highways, which has responsibility for maintaining the span, so that the successful bidder can begin to line up crews for that huge job.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS01/703220356

You can expect a hue of blue for bridge's coat of paint

By Kerry Duke, Cincinnati Post

 

The color the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge will be painted when crews begin that giant job next year is undecided, but a safe bet might be blue.  Marc D. Williams, commissioner for Kentucky's Department of Highways, said people are used to the blue and "there hasn't been a big public outcry to change the color, so we'll try to lean toward the tried and true and maintain the shade and color that it has been."

 

Williams said scrapings were taken from the old bridge to see what colors it's been painted in its 140-year past. The finding: "That thing has been painted about every color imaginable."  Blue is just fine with Covington Mayor Butch Callery.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS01/703220376

John Kennedy, owner of B & E Decorating Center in Covington's Latonia neighborhood, backs blue, too, and not just any blue.

 

"That's easy, brother, UK blue," Kennedy said. "Why wouldn't we paint it UK blue instead of that powder blue that's up there?

 

"We bleed Blue, brother. That's an easy one."

 

I will be pissed (to say the least) if they paint this historic bridge UK blue!  First off the historic significance of the bridge should come into play...second off, even though KY is controlling this decision...it is a Cincinnati bridge!  This is not Lexington or Bluegrass Country...this is Cincinnati and Nky.  I really hope that they don't take the hillbilly approach and do what Mr. Kennedy is suggessting above...brother!

"People who come into our area all the time refer to Suspension Bridge as the blue bridge," said Callery, who noted that color-coded bridges help people get around easier. "They talk about the Big Mac bridge and, of course, the walking Purple bridge. They always refer to them by colors so I thought it ought to be blue."

 

That is the first i have ever heard of "The Blue Bridge"...must be a Kentucky thing haha...right on par. 

^What do you mean...I'll say that I'm taking a stroll from the 'Blue Bridge' to the 'Walking Purple Bridge'...don't you?!?!? :laugh:

^ i guess its difficult to learn a new color too.  seems to me people could just as easily reference is as "the green bridge" or whatever refreshing new color it could be.  the whole things just seems to pathetic. 

 

also, the blue bridge opened to vehicular traffic today.

Well it hasn't been mentioned in the news but it's pretty obvious that the "purple" bridge has faded substantially since 2003 and they have done quite a bit of touch-up work recently.  Again, the whole reason why historically bridges tended to be painted black, grey, and other "boring" colors is because those pigments are cheaper, cover better, and fade slower.  The purple will prove to be a financial disaster and the bridge walk catwalks and stairways are already rusting.  I guarantee those things will be off of there in three years.