At today's meeting of Metroplan, Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines laid out his plan for turning the fairly attractive basket-handle double-arch bridge scheduled to replace the Broadway Bridge into an "iconic" bridge. His idea: "America's Bridge: Dedicated to Those Who Fought for Freedom and Worked for Peace."
Villines' vision calls for painting the south arch of the bridge white, the north arch bright blue, and the wall along the road deck bright red. The arches would be lit up similarly at night, and Villines said LED technology could be utilized to make the lights appear to wave like an American flag, or to create "a simulated fireworks display."
At the road deck level, Villines wants the walls decorated with stars, quotes by famous Americans about peace and freedom, and the names of those from Arkansas who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Swappable banners would acknowledge the different branches of the Armed Forces, conflicts America has fought in, and more.
As much as this very (very, very) vulgar and not-safe-for-work song from the South Park creators was playing in your correspondent's head during Villines' presentation, I'll leave the artistic critiques to you.
See a slideshow of more images on the jump.