CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SOON ON A NEW REPLACEMENT BRIDGE IN KINGSPORT. BIDS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN ON THE NETHERLAND INN ROAD BRIDGE ACROSS THE HOLSTON RIVER. IT WAS REPAIRED IN 2002 AFTER BEING DECLARED UNSAFE. CITY PLANNERS FEEL A NEW BRIDGE IS NEEDED TO HANDLE THE CURRENT TRAFFIC FLOW. THE LOWEST BID WAS REPORTEDLY 3.3 MILLION DOLLARS AND WILL REQUIRE THE CITY TO PAY 20 PERCENT. THE STATE WILL COVER THE REST. CONSTRUCTION COULD GET UNDERWAY IN ABOUT SIX WEEKS.