After a 13-month closure, the Amidon Bridge in north Wichita reopened on Wednesday afternoon. This project was finished a month ahead of schedule.
Construction began on Sept. 19, closing the northbound lanes of traffic south of 21st Street for utility work. Drivers were forced to detour to West Street at 21st and 13th Streets.
According to city officials, the old bridge wasn't safe to drive on anymore due to its age and deterioration.
Over 16,000 motorists traverse the bridge daily, and the original structure was built in 1964.
The city of Wichita hosted a ribbon-cutting event to commemorate the reopening of the bridge, which spans the Arkansas River and connects 13th and 21st streets.
The new four lane bridge also includes separate pedestrian paths.
A temporary fire station set up at 13th and West because of the bridge closure will remain open through the end of the year.
According to a spokesperson from the city, the project remained within its $7.5 million budget.
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Source: MSN.com
