Council approves city share for Prairie Creek bridge in KTA partnership
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Summary
Andover approved a $1,890,914.12 city share to partner with the Kansas Turnpike Authority on the Prairie Creek bridge replacement over the turnpike, citing structural concerns and a remaining unfunded pavement gap to 21st Street.
The Andover City Council voted Feb. 25 to approve the city’s share of a Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) partnership to replace the Prairie Creek bridge over the turnpike.
Community Development Director Les Mangas described the project as a KTA partnership that will deliver the bridge and roughly 500 feet of approaches on either side; what remains is an approximately 1,800‑foot gap of pavement to reach 21st Street. Les said the city plans to apply to the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) for federal funds to complete that final segment; if unsuccessful, the city could pursue a city‑wide project to finish the work. Don Langer Construction was the low bidder after the project was re‑bid in light of region‑wide bridge work.
Fire Chief Chad Russell and other speakers said the existing bridge is functionally obsolete and has structural failures that have led to reduced load capacity; Chief Russell described concern about heavy trucks using the bridge and potential spalling of concrete. Council voted to approve the city share of $1,890,914.12; the motion carried 5–0.
Staff said the new bridge will be widened to accommodate large vehicles and that the city and KTA moved up project timing to address safety concerns earlier than previously planned.