Though some reports said May 19 was the date set to implode the Sharon bridge, Mark Miller, director of the Mercer County Bridge Department, said Wednesday no official date has been set.

Miller said he received plans Tuesday for the demolition and can’t comment on when it might take place.

"They have a lot of work to do," Miller said, adding there are "quite a few bore holes to drill" and work that needs to be completed on other parts of the viaduct that spans U.S. Route 62, also known as Connelly Boulevard.

Route 62 will be closed for several days after the demolition for crews to clean up. After that, at least two lanes should remain open during the majority of the work to replace the span, which is scheduled to be finished by the end of November.

In the meantime, Mayor Robert T. Price said ticket sales for a chance to blow up the viaduct are going well. He said 30 businesses are selling the tickets. Initially there were 5,000 tickets printed, and Price said he ordered another 2,000.

Tickets are $1 each and proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

Price said a man from Arizona offered $1,000 to push the button and destroy the structure. Because tickets are already being sold, Price said he couldn’t accept the offer. He added the man did send $100 to buy tickets for a chance to win.

Viaduct ticket sale outlets include The Herald, 52 S. Dock St., Sharon. For a list of other sites, go online to: www.sharon-herald.com