Mercer County is making repairs after wire thieves hit Lincoln A. Bridge

A 93-year-old bridge in need of a $47 million replacement has been dark for several weeks after thieves removed the wire from the span.

According to people familiar with the theft, someone used a high-powered saw to cut metal bars along the Lincoln Ave. walkway. Bridge by sawing.

They then pulled copper wire from the 650-foot span, the longest bridge owned by Mercer County.

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  Mercer County Traffic Dept crews have rolled out new wire for Lincoln Ave. Bridge in Trenton. (LA Parker/The Trentonian)

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  Copper thieves cut steel pipes and then pulled wire from both sides of the 650-foot Lincoln Ave. Bridge. (LA Parker/The Trentonian)

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  Mercer County Traffic Department workers prepared for a sweep to replace the wire stolen from Lincoln Ave. Bridge. (LA Parker/The Trentonian)

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Mercer County Traffic Dept crews have rolled out new wire for Lincoln Ave. Bridge in Trenton. (LA Parker/The Trentonian)

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Crews from the Mercer County Traffic Department spent part of Tuesday afternoon installing wire on light poles that tower atop the bridge.

On Nov. 11, local, state and federal officials announced a plan to begin replacing the bridge early next year.

Trenton police did not respond to calls seeking details about the theft.