It's been 90 years since the formal dedication & opening of the new bridge across the Arkansas River on S. Lawrence (now Broadway); it was named the John Mack Bridge in honor of the late Mr. Mack, Newton editor and highway commissioner for this district at the time the bridge was started.
Mr. Mack was known as the "father of good Kansas roads." Construction began in January 1930. Total cost $191,000; it's 800 feet long, with a 30-foot roadway.
The bridge was made of reinforced concrete, consisting of eight tied arches.
The speaking program of the dedication was preceded by a concert by the South Side Booster Band at 7:30 p.m. followed by dancing on the bridge to the music of Bob and Laura Collins and their orchestra from Shadowland, which was closed for the occasion. Dancing continued until nearly midnight, when the barriers were removed and the first cars were allowed to pass over the new span.
5,000 people gathered on each side of the river for the dedication of the southern gateway to the city. It would eliminate the old South Lawrence Bridge with its flimsy wooden flooring and dangerous sharp curves.
The John Mack Bridge is the longest remaining James Barney Marsh Rainbow Bridge in Kansas, and the second longest in the United States (the Marsh bridge in Ft. Collins, Colorado, has 11 arches).
In 1991 the John Mack Bridge was in danger of being torn down but a community effort saved it. It was placed on the National Register in 1992, and was renovated in 1997. A new low-profile bridge was built immediately on its east side to provide for four-lane traffic flow along Broadway.