OK, editorial readers. We are giving you a slight head start on a decision for Bend. What should the Hawthorne Bridge look like?

The Hawthorne Bridge or as the city calls it the “Hawthorne Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing” is that bridge that will one day cross the Bend Parkway and railroad tracks and be an easy and safe connection — east/west — for people to walk or bike across town. The bridge will be an “Ode to Joy” for people who don’t want to use their car to get everywhere. It also should make things safer for drivers because some people will be using the bridge.

Maybe, one day, it will even get a more inspiring name.

The city has money, about $25.8 million, lined up with the Oregon Department of Transportation. There might be another nearly $6 million available from the federal government and money from the city’s GO bond.

The city still needs a decision made on what it should look like. It is planning to solicit formal feedback in May. There is some variability in the estimated cost based on the design, which we have included below each image. Costs are not finalized. More elaborate designs would require more maintenance.

Which one of the nearby designs do you prefer?