This bridge to downtown Wichita closes soon. Here’s why, plus detours
Drivers who cross the First Street bridge over the Arkansas River will need to adjust their commute soon as the city begins a year-long project to replace the deteriorating bridge.
The bridge will be closed to all traffic starting the week of Feb. 16. Traffic will be detoured to Douglas through McLean and Waco, with message boards notifying commuters of the closure.
Over the years the bridge’s underside and piers have degraded, the Department of Public Works & Utilities said during a November public information meeting.
The city is replacing the bridge instead of rehabilitating it, which would have restricted ability for the bridge to accommodate 11-feet-wide walking paths, buffered bike lanes and lanes for vehicle traffic. Rehabilitating the bridge would still have required the entire bridge deck to be replaced, which is more than 60% of the overall bridge structure, the November presentation detailed.
It also allows for the consideration of artistic and aesthetic enhancements, like abutments, pedestrian overlooks on walkways, railings, local art and more.
The project’s total budget, according to the November presentation, is $14.1 million. Construction estimates put the new bridge’s completion toward the end of 2027.
