When: June 8, 2005 at 10:30 AM

In a research paper by Craig Miner, Professor of History at WSU, we found out some interesting details about this bridge.

• Amazingly, this bridge replaced an "older" bridge when it was built in 1925.

• That bridge was in place for 30 years and considered dangerous, which is why it was torn down.

• Like some projects today, it went over budget. Original estimates by the City Engineer put it at about $35,000 to build.

• Once the project was started, the cost crept up to $95,000 that was approved by local voters to build.

• The vote passed with 13,703 votes in favor of improving the bridge and 8,817 votes against.

• However, the project total ended up being well over $100,000.

• Luckily, the contractor agreed to take the loss.

• When this was opened in 1925, the bridge was illuminated by 12 lights of "300 candlepower" which was quite bright back then and very striking.

People getting ready to cut the ribbon to officially open Murdock Street Bridge.

This site was popular because the original Wichita Boathouse was located here. There, people could rent canoes or rowboats and swim. Major events included diving in the river from a platform on the boathouse. Even to this day, when the river is low, you can see the Boathouse foundation just southeast of the bridge.

This bridge also served as a gateway entrance to the City of Wichita. It was made into this beautiful structure to give visitors a great first impression of our city. It was featured in many publications promoting Wichita, including on the cover of the Chamber of Commerce "Wichita" book in 1926.

And now you know why this bridge is so important to the community. We are very proud to say that the bridge is in its original grandeur and still intact. What is different is that it can now withstand present day use. Today it meets or exceeds all transportation codes.

I know this construction seemed to be more inconvenient than most. Many asked why we opened Riverside Park, to close the Murdock bridge. What happened was the Kansas Department of Transportation agreed to help us fund the bridge improvements. Their 1.1-million-dollar allocation moved the project up in CIP plan. The City’s share was $500,000 so that KDOT contribution made it possible to improve this bridge.

And it was a good thing that it was moved up on our project list. That was evident when on November 1, the 80 year old water line broke. That caused considerable damage and unfortunately caused additional money and certainly precious time as the project was set back.

Historic trolley crossing the Murdock Street Bridge after the dedication ceremony.

I want to thank the Wingates for their cooperation and understanding as we repaired the bridge and replaced the water line. That was truly a public/private partnership. Their contractor worked with our contractor and together they made the construction work better than we could have imagined.

• I also want to thank our Design Consultant, Professional Engineering Consultants. Their team leader was Richard Schlitt. They did everything they could to keep the historic preservation of the bridge intact.

• Thanks to Wildcat Construction for their efforts to the bridge as well as on the emergency repairs. Brian Welborn was their project manager.

• Lastly, I want to thank our Public Works department for their diligence and efforts on this project. What they do is keep it all together and work hand and hand with the contractor. Thanks to Chris Carrier, Director of Public Works; Jim Armour, City Engineer and Gary Janzen, Design Engineer.

When the bridge originally opened in 1925, the assistant city engineer said that the bridge was "the most artistic structure of its character in Kansas." I have to say that I think he is still correct with that assessment.

And now, if you will all help me officially open this bridge!

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