Construction is now underway on a major restoration project for Wichita's historic Minisa Bridge, bringing traffic changes to north Wichita through the remainder of the year.
The City of Wichita has contracted with Wildcat Construction to rehabilitate the Art Deco bridge, which carries 13th Street over the Little Arkansas River near Wichita North High School. The bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is known for its decorative design and carved Native American figures.
The project includes repairs to the bridge's brick roadway, lighting, structural concrete and decorative concrete, along with the removal of graffiti and other preservation work.
As construction begins, 13th Street is closed at the bridge. Drivers are being detoured via McLean Boulevard, 21st Street North and Waco Avenue. Local access remains available on 13th Street between Waco and Bitting for nearby businesses and Wichita North High School.
City officials expect the bridge to reopen for pedestrian traffic before the start of the 2026-27 school year. Vehicle traffic is anticipated to resume in September, while the full restoration project is scheduled to continue into late 2026.
