Seven bridges in Salina will be redesigned and rebuilt before the Smoky Hill River flows through town again.
Interim City Manager Jacob Wood joined in on the KSAL Morning News Extra Tuesday with a look at a range of issues, including the project to bring the river back to life.
Proposed bridges are located at Lakewood Park, Elm Street, Ash Street, Iron Street, The Midway, YMCA Drive and South Ohio Street.
A presentation is planned to update the public on progress of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project on Tuesday evening at 5:30pm inside the Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center.
Following the presentations, attendees may view maps of the project design in an “open house” format from 6:30pm till 7:30pm. Representatives from the City and HDR will be available to answer questions.
Major elements include:
- 7 Bridges
- 2 Pedestrian Under Crossings
- 3.5 Miles of Bicycle / Pedestrian Trails
- River Channel Maintenance Facility
- 5 Boat Ramps
- Boardwalk Area
- Levy Outlet
Estimated cost of the project is around $22 million dollars. Officials anticipate the Smoky Hill River will have flowing water again in 2030. Designers say the 6.8 mile showpiece will someday boast walking trails, outdoor lighting, a waterfall feature plus step pools with kayak and canoe chutes.
Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration major Elements:
Entrance works
Sediment Excavation and Disposal
Channel Shaping
Western Star Dam Replacement
Estimated Project Costs (GI Program)
Cost
Breakdown
$13,705,000 Federal Share
$7,610,000 Non-Federal Share (City of Salina cost)
$21,315,000 Total
