Replacing a Bridge Should Make Boating Easier in Arkansas River

March 23, 2010

by Kim Hynes (WICHITA, Kan.)

While improving a deteriorating bridge, the City of Wichita will make the Arkansas River more accessible to boaters. During a workshop Tuesday, the Wichita City Council learned about the $12 million project.

The city wants to replace the Lincoln Street bridge. The bridge was built in 1970 and started having issues in 1976. Right now city engineers say the bridge is structurally deficient and is having problems with corrosion. If the council approves the replacement, the city will move the dam under the bridge 150 feet downstream.

While moving the dam downstream, the city will build a boat pass to make it easier for boaters to use the river. The city is also required to put in a fish pass.

During the workshop, the city council was given two options. The council can vote to replace the bridge for $12 million or repair it for $9 million. City engineers say just repairing the bridge will last 30 years while replacing it will last about 50 years. The council agreed it made more sense to replace the bridge.

Council member Paul Gray questioned the need for the boat pass which costs $1.5 million. That $1.5 million is included in the total price of the project. Mayor Carl Brewer says the boat pass will make the river more accessible which is what the public has been asking for.

The council will officially vote on the project next month. If approved, about $5 million would come from federal grants.

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