From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 1, 1974:

With the satisfactory conclusion to the bridge bond election behind them, city and county officials were now beginning to iron out details on the proposed new two-span Kansas River bridge in Lawrence. John Frazier, consulting engineer with Finney and Turnipseed, Topeka, discussed with officials their preferences for placement of bicycle and pedestrian paths and utilities on the new bridge. Frazier, speaking of possible repairs that might need to be done in the meantime, also cautioned the city to keep an eye on the existing bridge because of the potential danger of deterioration in its spandrel beams. Frazier admitted he was “real jumpy” about their condition and suggested the city check them every six to eight weeks, explaining that concrete as old as that in the existing bridge didn’t give a warning when it was about to give way. He further clarified that while the whole bridge wouldn’t collapse if one beam broke, it would possibly open a hole in the roadway large enough for a car to end up striking a support beneath the road level. The existing bridge was to continue to be in use for about 2 1/2 years before the new one was ready. The two new spans were to be built with $5.875 million, half the amount authorized by recent passage of the county bridge bond proposal.