After more than a decade of contentious debate about another Big Ditch bridge, planners have come up with an idea that just might fly – a bridge from 13th Street west of the Big Ditch onto I-235. That would ease the crush of traffic at the Zoo Boulevard and Central Avenue bridges as Wichita’s west-siders try to get to and from downtown jobs. Most important for gaining neighbors’ support, the latest plan would leave 13th Street east of the Big Ditch unaffected. The cost and funding are uncertain at this point. And in truth, the Big Ditch could use more than one new span, including the one previously discussed from 25th Street North on the east side to 29th Street North on the west. But the latest bridge plan makes a lot of sense.
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16 Comments
These kind of traffic solutions that include an “impressive” reinforced concrete flyover bridge bother me. The fact is the life span of this “bridge” will be about 40 to 50 years. This seems like forever now, but 40 years from now, it should be replaced … unless of course, budgets won’t permit, lack of tax resources, etc. — things that don’t involve safety of the roads.
I’m wondering how long it would be before this new bridge would be just as congested as the current intersection it’s would relieve. Drivers in Wichita now don’t know how to merge in traffic (look at the North Junction during any morning rush hour). Would an additional lane be added to 235 between Zoo and Central to handle the surge of traffic coming off the bridge? I can see traffic backed up all the way to Ridge or beyond with all the cars sitting on the bridge.
Another half cooked plan from our city council.
Where is the long term plan and why isn’t Sharon Fearey and Jeff Longwell talking with the people?
Jeff was quoted in an article this morning saying he would talk after the state approved the plan.
That’s not talking with the people that is talking at the people.
Having studied this traffic situation for over a decade I am dubious about this approach. This bridge will only provide access to the south, not the north. Also, squeezing another set of ramps between Zoo and Central will, as noted above, create problems on I-235 with merging on top of merging.
Instead, I still favor a 25th-29th bridge using the existing ramps at 25th. This keeps I-235 fairly uniform with interchanges about every 1.5 miles along its length.
Good news!
Global Warming solutions are for SOMEBODY ELSE. In The Eagle’s own back yard, more highways are A GOOD THING!
Conservation and Mass Transit is for SOMEBODY ELSE.
Sunflower:
Lightning strikes! We agree on something.
One of the officers of the Westlink Neighborhood Association–which represents 3100 homes and 10000 people–says they’re SO mad at Longwell because:
–Over 100 of their members showed up to comment and weren’t allowed to say anything;
–He showed absolute contempt for everyone present at the meeting; and
–NOBODY there supports this bridge to nowhere.
One more example of the elitist incompetence we have to suffer from City Hall.
The refusal of the council and their elitist selection committee to consider Scott Moore is another.
Recalls, anyone?
MrC – your thoughts on 25/29?
My car would never make it that far.
Back in the 1990s there was an organization that was called the Citizens Participation Organization (CPO) whose members were elected by the citizens in the city election to represent their interest and opinions to the city councilmen. Each district had its own CPO council. But the city wanted more power and control over them. So in corporation with Wichita State University they changed the set up to Districts Advisory Boards aka DAB whose members are now appointed by each city councilmen. I afraid that the effect is that the members feels pressure to represent the views more of the city councilman or they might not get reappointed. They sure don’t want to make waves like BTH did. The new city saying is for you citizen: A little DAB will do you!!
corporation should be cooperation
Thanks RA. As I recall you were not terribly reluctant to make waves either!
Yes Ben, I had some fun times but I think you had more.
I think what really made it work was that we were all free-wheeling and could ‘disagree without being disagreeable’
Yes, Ben we were most always nice to the citizens and other members of the council but I do recall that when some people down at city hall see you come into the building, their faces would turn a pale white.
RA – THANKS! I am proud of that fact. Back when Roger Grund was alive they really hated it when he and I would come in together!
Paving more highways.
That’s progress.