Community members called the new bridge a start to the revitalization of the Franklinton neighborhood, 10TV's Karina Nova reported.

The Franklinton area is the city's oldest neighborhood but, until 2003, was known for frequent flooding, Nova reported.

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In 2003 a flood wall was built, but the community still needs help, Franklinton Development Association member Jim Sweeney said.

"However it is still economically depressed and we've been disconnected from downtown and this bridge will help make that connection back," Sweeney said.

As construction wraps up on the Main Street Bridge, the new Rich Street Bridge will be the third bridge to cross the Scioto River, in addition to the Broad Street Bridge.

"Franklinton has felt disconnected from the city for a long time," Sweeney said. "The symbolic affect of new bridges connecting us to downtown will be significant."

The Main Street Bridge is expected to be complete in June. The Rich Street Bridge is scheduled to open in August 2011 and estimated to cost $32 million, Nova reported.

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