LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A bridge that carries Interstate 65 across the Ohio River between Louisville and New Albany, Ind., has finally been painted.
The job took 9 years, four contractors and cost four times its initial estimate.
A bridge inspector went to prison, convicted of extortion, and two previous contractors settled their lawsuits against the state for $12 million.
The Kennedy Bridge was originally to get a colorful coating of burgundy, tan and hunter green paint.
The last contractor to get the job finished it. Intech Contracting of Lexington painted it beige and got two $500,000 bonuses for finishing the work early.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the final tally was about $60 million. Of that, Intech was paid $37.6 million.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)