Officials in Pierre and Fort Pierre have until February to choose potential enhancements to the design of the Missouri River bridge replacement.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation gave the cities of Pierre and Fort Pierre a Feb. 1 deadline to make their decision about enhancements to the bridge replacement's design, the Capital Journal reported . Enhancements could include lighting, railings, pedestrian walkway bump-outs and steps down to the water.

The cities will have to cover costs if they choose any further enhancements beyond the basic design. Mayors of both cities say they plan to put the issue on their upcoming agendas.

Fort Pierre City Councilmember Larry Cronin asked his colleagues at a council meeting Jan. 8 to request feedback from residents.

"The main reason I wanted to bring something up tonight was because we've got to vote in a month whether to fund a $500,000, a $750,000 or a $1 million dollar project, with taxpayer dollars," Cronin said.

At the meeting, Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson said there are too many unanswered questions regarding cost alternatives for enhancement options, such as architectural lighting.

"It would be a frustrating thing to present anything to the public right now," Hanson said.

DOT Bridge Design Program Manager Steve Johnson said cities need to make a decision soon so they can stay on track to complete the project by 2022. Johnson said some choices could affect the structural design of the bridge replacement.