Needing to enhance its water system performance and to maintain adequate water pressure to the rapidly developing northwest quadrant of the City of Wichita, the City constructed a Northwest Transmission line. The line ties-in at the existing 48” concrete pipe of the Hess Pump Station and extends to the west over the Arkansas River.

The Northwest Transmission Line project grew to include a pedestrian bridge over the river. The walkway serves two major purposes. The bridge connects the pathways planned for the northwest and southwest sides of the bridge and provides the means for the waterline to cross the Arkansas River.

Construction of the project took less than 10 months. The waterline crosses the Arkansas River and the pedestrian bridge provides a walkway from the intersection of Central Street and McLean Boulevard across the Arkansas River to connect with the existing hike and bike path, in Sim Memorial Park.

From the abutments to the piers and footings, the project design required typical bridge construction. However, the unique design of the pier caps to accommodate the transmission line created a need for a creative approach to the standard method of bridge building.

The pier caps are trapezoidal shape with a radius. This shape required scaled mock ups to be built prior to the actual construction forms. These mock ups were used to measure the various radii and miters required for the formwork.

All concrete surfaces on the bridge were stained and sealed with a warm earth tone color, which allows the bridge to compliment its natural surroundings.

Unique design features of the project consisted of:
• Dual use of foundation units for waterline crossing and pedestrian bridge with bicycle and jogging trail accommodations
• Non-linear piers and bridge features
• Unique formwork construction of pier caps
• River bank modifications for zero bridge impact on flooding
• ADA accessible path and bridge
• Special coatings used on the surface of the transmission line to protect against the elements and graffiti
• Directional lighting included in the pedestrian bridge handrail.

The Northwest Transmission Line provides the means for the City of Wichita to continue its development to the west.

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