A no left turn sign will be posted at 31st Street and Gold to discourage motorists who have been taking a detour route through Gold, a residential area. City officials closed the Broadway Bridge – south of the John Mack Bridge – a week ago, after bridge inspections revealed deterioration under the deck.  A detour route was established along 31st Street South, Seneca and MacArthur. An updated graphic is attached to the news release.

“Motorists are deviating from the detour route and using residential streets not designed for such traffic,” John Speer, a Captain with the Wichita Police Department, said. “It’s a shortcut that poses a real danger for residents, especially children who may be getting off buses or walking in the street.”

Wichita Police Department and Wichita School District officials also have plans to correspond with area residents regarding the additional law enforcement and traffic signs.

The 800-foot long Broadway Bridge is located approximately halfway between MacArthur and 31st Street South. It’s unkown how long the bridge will remain closed.

The four-lane bridge carries about 14,000 vehicles a day over Union Pacific railroad. The 70-year-old bridge was last officially inspected in July 2004, when a 10-ton weight limit was implemented because of concerns related to its aging condition. Trucks exceeding the weight limit accelerated the deterioration, City officials say.

City officials have contacted state and federal officials regarding possible funding sources. The estimated cost to replace the bridge is 5 to 7 million, but repairing the bridge remains an option.

Engineers from Professional Engineering Consultants and the City discovered accelerated deterioration during a routine bridge inspection. They were conducting a scheduled round of inspections that began in April.

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