1. What was your role in this project?
   Project Manager for the Public Works Department. I worked together with Kurt Skinner (project landscape architect) to put project out to bid. My major role was to oversee construction of all landscape and hardscape items designed by Law-Kingdon including construction of the two cable stayed pedestrian bridges designed by HNTB.

2. Why did you want to work on this project?
   This project involved all disciplines of civil engineering that some engineers may not experience in a lifetime. This project involved environmental, geotechnical, transportation, structural and hydraulic review as well as mechanical, electrical and various other disciplines of work. The project involved many engineering challenges. The pride one can take by being involved with making things work from beginning to end is difficult to describe.

3. What is your favorite part of this project?
   This project was actually two different projects that were merged together – the two pedestrian bridges designed by HNTB and the landscape improvements designed by Law-Kingdon. Working together with Kurt Skinner, it was a big challenge to put it out to bid. To watch this project take shape from the raising of the Keeper to stressing the cables on the bridges lifting the concrete decks off their temporary supports, it was more than I could visualize from a set of plans. With so much that I like about this project there really was no specific “favorite part.”

4. Was there a time when you said "What have I gotten myself into?" If yes, when?
   The period of time when we cut the end of the dam off until it was reattached ito the foundation of the Keeper of the Plains was an uneasy time. As an engineer, you think of what could happen should the river flood, etc. It was easier sleeping after the dam was secured.

5. What are you most proud of?
   The fact that the entire project – with the many changes that happened throughout its duration – remained within budget. I am also very proud of the fact that no one got hurt during the making of this project. As beautiful as it was, if anyone lost a life, or even a limb, it wouldn’t have been worth it. Construction work is dangerous especially on a project like this. Schedules must be met and it seems like push-push-push to get things done every second. No room for carelessness. The good news was that I think the worst injury someone received was treated with a bandage.

BIO
Stan Breitenbach, PE, is the Special Projects Engineer for the City of Wichita. He has worked for the Public Works Department for 11 years. He received his degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University. He was assigned this project in fall of 2004. He is married to Theresa and has a son, Aaron.

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