Joe Warren/Atchison Globe

Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn, speaking at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Atchison, Kan., during Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremonies, compares original working conditions and construction costs of the Amelia Earhart Bridge with the projected expense of ‘the vastly improved structure’ now under construction.

ATCHISON, Kan. — The Missouri River was a silent, flowing backdrop Thursday morning as Kansas and Missouri officials recalled history and looked forward to a modern bridge.

The formal groundbreaking for a replacement Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge happened about a month after initial preparations began on pier footings. Plans call for the four-lane span to be completed in the fall of 2011.

“It’s been a really long time coming,” said Kansas Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller.

Ms. Miller told an audience on the Atchison riverfront that she first became associated with the project as an employee with bridge designer HNTB.

“It’s always had a place close in my heart,” she said.

Repairing the existing U.S. Highway 59 bridge, finished in 1938, has been a “continual maintenance headache” for the last three decades, Ms. Miller added. “Much has happened to get us where we are today.”

Kansas is providing $30.6 million and Missouri $28.8 million to the nearly $60 million project.

Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn called the two states’ partnership “tangible.” Mr. Rahn noted that the day’s date coincides with the disappearance of the namesake aviatrix in 1937 and opening of the current bridge a year later.

The structure was a “technological wonder in its day,” he said, reading from Atchison Daily Globe accounts. The Works Progress Administration partially funded the construction done by the Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Co., Mr. Rahn added.

State Rep. Jerry Henry, D-Cummings, and state Rep. Don Navinsky, D-Easton, received plaques from the Kansas Department of Transportation, recognizing their efforts to secure highway and bridge funds from the Kansas Legislature.

Mr. Henry — whose district includes Atchison — said he is pleased that state and local preservation societies will work to preserve the existing bridge in some form. The bridge will be removed sometime in late 2011, once the new bridge is complete.

The new bridge, which will be under construction just south of the current span, will last a century, Mr. Henry said.

“You don’t just build a bridge to meet the needs of today,” he added.

Atchison Mayor David Butler said the city has worked closely with the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce to prepare for the replacement.

“And so now we’re building some new partnerships,” Mr. Butler said.

Ms. Miller was among officials who credited a Build a Better Bridge committee that included residents for its role in developing the plans.

“It is essential we hear all the diverse opinions,” she said.

Mr. Rahn said a documentary — including aerial views — will be created to chronicle the bridge’s construction.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.