30 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Goddard city leaders submitted an application on Friday for a $5 million grant to fund a pedestrian bridge over U.S. Highway 54.
Currently, there is no safe way for people on foot or biking to get across the intersection. The intersection at U.S. 54 and 183rd Street sees roughly 22,000 cars per day, according to Goddard City Administrator Craig Crossette.
A pedestrian bridge would connect residents on the south side to community amenities sitting on the north.
A plan in motion. Crossette said the city has submitted its application for a $5 million grant that would pay for the construction of the bridge.
“It’s always been kind of a priority to figure out a way to connect the north side of our community, where the majority of our residents live, and the south side of our community, where most of our public amenities are located,” said Crossette.
The bridge would connect residents directly to the Prairie Sunset Trail, which can be taken to the city pool, parks, and downtown. Crossette said while it is not illegal to currently cross U.S. 54, it is unsafe.
“Safety is a primary factor. Right now, we see citizens crossing U.S. 54 on foot almost daily. We see it all the time,” said Crossette.
Karla Dang is one of over a dozen residents who have written letters that are included in the city’s application. She said this bridge would give parents comfort, knowing their children are safe.
“Some of us work and we have teens that want to be able to go to the pool in the summer or to the parks, and there’s just no safe way to cross,” said Dang.
Dang’s daughter Alyssa and her friend Hazel said they would use the bridge daily.
“We can’t drive because we’re only 14, and we don’t have public transport either, it can be hard to find a riding place, and we can’t walk across the highway because it’s not safe,” said Eisenhower Middle School Student Hazel Van Horn.
Crossette said Goddard will be competing against projects across the country. He said the project is dependent on the grant.
“If the grant is not awarded, it would be delayed significantly because we don’t currently have the funding capacity to be able to pay for 100% of the construction costs,” said Crossette.
He said they will find out if they get the grand around July. If approved, they will have a five-year deadline to finish the pedestrian bridge after that, with plans to start construction within two years.