Friday, November 16, 2012

The Lincoln Street bridge has reopened to traffic. Last year, crews demolished the old bridge over the Arkansas River near McClean Boulevard and work began on constructing the new bridge and dam.

The dam and bridge include many new features, including a boat and fish pass, look out points, new lighting and landscaping in the area around the bridge. City engineers say the new bridge will also be easier to maintain.

The project took a year and half to complete and cost $17 million. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the future but an exact date hasn't been determined.

For now, the city is waiting to use the dam to raise water levels in the river. The ongoing drought has dramatically lowered water levels in the Arkansas River and there will need to be significant rainfalls before it is safe to use the dam.