A River runs under it

A couple of years ago a chunk of Topeka Blvd Bridge fell off. The Bridge was closed down, Congress and money from the Sales Tax was used for construction of a new bridge. It opened today,August 3. A ribbon cutting or something happened at 5. I wanted to go,but as yesterday entry suggested It's too hot. So I went out with a friend later in the evening. Tomorrow it will be opened for car traffic, but tonight belonged to bicycles,dog walking and the curious.
Getting a chance to walk over the bridge solved a problem for me, This is as close as I've ever been to the Kansas River. Topeka was founded by people ferrying wagons ,horses etc on the various trails. The first settlers of Topeka lived near the river. Today it's hard to get close to it. I spent some time driving around a couple of weeks ago thinking there might be a park or something on the North Side that I hadn't known about.

That trip did get just on the other side of the Levee near the Kansas Avenue Bridge, but not on the river itself.Looking on line I was able to find 2 boat ramps in Shawnee County. Now that I think about it,I was foiled looking for the Kansas River in Lecompton as well. There is a log cabin about a mile from the Territorial Capitol that sits on the river, a forest of tree obstructs the view.I know there a river park in Lawrence and further opportunities to get close to the Kansas River exist elsewhere. So Much to see, no independent means to take a year off and see it.

A train went by,which was cool.Note below the engine , that is the old railroad bridge,It didn't survive the 1951 Flood,yet remains in the river.







I like the bridge, you'll see the Limestone towers that support the clocks that are on both side.I know from reading about the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate,similar opportunities to walk the bridge existed before it was open to traffic.



Nice way to spend a hot Sunday evening and something that doesn't happen that often.