Plans to replace the Kingshighway Boulevard Bridge are underway.

The 75-year-old structure, located near the intersection of Southwest Avenue and South Kingshighway Boulevard, has fallen into serious disrepair.

Joe Vollmer, Ward 10 alderman, said the bridge requires almost daily safety checks.

The city is preparing to begin the planning, engineering, design and property acquisition phase of the $22 million project.

The federal government will pick up most of the cost.

A smaller portion will be paid by Union Pacific, which owns the railroad tracks that run under the span.

Vollmer, who is co-sponsoring the bill authorizing the project with Ward 8 Alderman Stephen Conway, said the city will pay no "out of pocket money" for the project.

Though the city will mull several plans, Vollmer said some parameters are in place.

The bridge will be wider, with six lanes, and have sidewalks.

The current bridge is not open to foot traffic.

Detour routes and street closures are being worked out.

Vollmer said the city had tried its best to keep the bridge in useable shape, but that replacement is now a necessity.

"We've been adding to the pillars underneath it to keep it up," Vollmer said. "It's not a pretty sight."

Vollmer said the bridge, which sits near access points to both Interstates 64 and 44, is heavily-traveled.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.