Bids will be opened today on the plaza and park projects on both sides of new Liberty Memorial Bridge.

The plazas and parks are part of the original design of the new bridge and will complete the work, according to Ben Kubischta of the Department of Transportation.

Although on different sides of the river, he said it was bid as one project.

Kubitschta said design for the project was done by Ulteig Engineering based, in part, on public meetings that took place last winter.

The parks, situated at a lower level, and the plazas at a higher level - where the spires are located - will blend elements of both the past and present, he said.

The spires are already in place on the Mandan side. The Bismarck park will be located on the northeast corner of the bridge.

Interpretive panels on both plazas will include 14 photographs mounted on a 9-foot by 2-foot display, depicting a history of the old bridge, the role of the bridge in the development of Bismarck and Mandan, the role of government at the time and the overall context of the region when the original bridge was built.

Kubitchta said one of the unique features in the park areas will be a section of the trusses from the old Memorial Bridge.

A separated panel will include photos of the bridges from different eras, Kubitchta said, a "snapshot in time."

"We'll have a photo story about Bismarck and Mandan in 1920 and from today," he said.

Estimates for project are $1.4 million for both sides of the river.

Kubitchta said work will likely begin around Aug. 1, with a completion date of June 30, 2010.

Work going on now near the bridge on the Bismarck side of river involves upgrades to the water treatment plant.

While the areas will be relatively similar, each will have its own unique qualities.

Mandan's park, which will be its first city park along he river, will be within a stone's throw of the river, while Bismarck's will be set back farther from the river.

Mandan's park has been named for Richard M. Longfellow, a local hero who served in the Spanish-American War in the Phillipines.

Bismarck has yet to name its park.

Funding for the projects comes through the federal transportation enhancement program, Kubitschta said, with both cities matching a portion of the cost.

Jim Neubauer, city adminstrator for Mandan, said the process of planning the park has been a great demonstration of cooperation between DOT and the two cities, as well other groups.

It will be a nice asset to Mandan's parks and recreation department and one of the few places for people to get close to the water, he said.

"There are very few places in Mandan right now where the public can enjoy the river," Neubauer said.

He said Mandan's share of the project will be about $150,000.

(Reach reporter Brian Gehring at 250-8254 or brian.gehring@;bismarcktribune.com.)