City, Winfield Chamber To Host Ribbon Cutting At 14th Ave. Bridge Wednesday

The City of Winfield and the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of the opening of the 14th Ave. bridge Wednesday morning at 11.

Those who wish to attend are encouraged to park to the east of the bridge.

The former iron-truss bridge near the Winfield fairgrounds crossed the Walnut River for many decades before being torn down earlier this year. City officials told NewsCow in January the previous bridge was fracture critical, meaning any failure could cause the bridge, or a portion of it, to collapse. City officials said the condition of the bridge had continued to deteriorate over time.

The new modernized bridge is wider with two full lanes and shoulders.

The state approved a project bid by Wichita-based Dondlinger & Sons for $2.1 million. There was also over $300,00 for engineering costs to make the total nearly $2.5 million. The city’s portion of the project was $1.5 million.