John Mack Bridge
John Mack Bridge | |
 The John Mack Bridge in 2023 | |
  Location within Kansas  Location within the United States | |
| Location | Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 37°38′40.45″N 97°20′7.91″W / 37.6445694°N 97.3355306°W |
| Built | 1930–1931 |
| Architect | James Barney Marsh Edward Tomlinson |
| NRHP reference No. | 91002018 |
| Added to NRHP | January 22, 1992 |
The John Mack Bridge is an 800-foot (240 m) reinforced concrete bridge in Wichita, Kansas,[a] United States, designed by architect James Barney Marsh.[1][2] Constructed between 1930 and 1931, it spans the Arkansas River along South Broadway Street.[1] The bridge was one of many built in Marsh's patented 1911 "Rainbow Arch" (or "Marsh Arch") style; however, it is today one of fewer than a dozen still standing and is the longest.[2][3]
Its namesake was John C. Mack (1867–1930), a senator, newspaper publisher, and member of the state highway commission who was known as the "father of good Kansas roads".[1][2]
History
[edit]Tentatively called the "South Lawrence Street Bridge" in plan specifications, the bridge was designed by the Marsh Engineering Company of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1929.[1] Its purpose was to replace a metal truss bridge built at the site in 1883, which had fallen into disrepair and could not keep up with growing traffic congestion in the area.[1] Senator John C. Mack was credited with securing the contract for the new bridge to be built, and as such, the bridge was named after him.[1]
On January 30, 1930, construction of the John Mack Bridge began.[1] It was completed in mid-July 1931, at a total cost of $191,000 (equivalent to $3,200,000 in 2024).[1] Paving was done by the Globe Construction Company of Wichita, and the Tomlinson Bridge and Supply Company of Garfield was tasked with its construction.[1] In September 1930, Edward Tomlinson was arrested and forced to pay a $50 fine (equivalent to $1,000 in 2025) after he worked his employees more than eight hours a day in an attempt to finish the bridge ahead of schedule.[1]
On July 22, 1931, an opening ceremony and dance took place with approximately 5,000 people present.[1][3] The South Side Booster Band performed, followed by the Bob and Laura Collins Orchestra.[1][3]
By 1991, the John Mack Bridge was in poor condition and was at risk of being demolished.[1] Local support led to its preservation and a 1997 renovation.[3] Additionally, a bridge was built along its east side to allow four-lane traffic low.[3] In 1992, the John Mack Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.[3][4]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form". National Park Service. January 22, 1992. Retrieved July 4, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "John Mack Bridge, Wichita". Kansas Sampler. Retrieved July 4, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Woodward, Ted (July 22, 2021). "Wichita's historic John Mack Bridge observes 90 years". Audacy. Retrieved July 4, 2026.
- ↑ "NPGallery Asset Detail". National Park Service. Retrieved July 4, 2026.
External links
[edit]- Soul of a People: Writing America's Story: Photograph of the John Mack Bridge under construction in 1930, via the Wichita Public Library