The design of the long standing Frank Hart Crossing near Carey Park is causing some structural problems that will have to be addressed in the near future. The span over the Arkansas River that connects Hutchinson and South Hutchinson was one of 7-bridges that will be inspected by an engineering firm after action was taken by Reno County Commissioners on Tuesday.

The firm of Parsons, Brinckerhoff Inc., will prepare design plans and specifications for the bridge repair projects at a cost of 76-thousand dollars.

The other bridges include the canal and Arkansas River bridges on West 4th. The Arkansas River bridges on Yoder, Haven and Worthington Roads, and a small box bridge along Yoder Road, just south of K-96.

Public Works Director Dave McComb told the board that the Frank Hart bridge was built on a rocker system that helps the bridge expand and contract with varying weather conditions. Because the bridge was built at an angle to the west the entire structure has pushed to the west bank of the structure and will not move back to the east. That means the west wall under the bridge is bearing the entire pressure of the span in hot weather.

McComb says that the firm hired will do engineering studies and try to come up with cost effective solutions to make the needed repairs to the 7-structures.