Bridge honors ex-governor

By Heather Mangold
City Editor

Gov. Frank O'Bannon joined city officials, state representatives and approximately 30 members of the community on Wednesday to dedicate the U.S. 231 bridge in honor of former governor Roger Branigin.

"He (Branigin) had that great intellect that was complemented by great wit," said O'Bannon. "He brought a lot of people together in the state of Indiana."

Branigin served as the 42nd governor of Indiana from 1965 through 1969. He was an attorney for the Stuart Law Firm of Lafayette, president of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and trustee of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association before he was elected governor.

As a former resident of West Lafayette and a community leader for Lafayette, Branigin's name brought many local friends to Wednesday's dedication.

Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-27th, said she came to the dedication as a friend.

"You always judge somebody in the way they treat people," said Klinker. "He (Branigin) treated everyone with great dignity."

Klinker introduced the resolution that was passed during the 2001 session of the General Assembly, which stated the connecting bridge between West Lafayette and Lafayette to be named in honor of Branigin.

O'Bannon said that Branigin was known for his personal approach to his position. He said that the former governor worked hard to read every piece of personal mail sent to him.

"He made a lasting impression on everyone he met," said O'Bannon.

West Lafayette Mayor Sonya Margerum agreed that the dedication was an important event.

"It's very fitting that we should dedicate this bridge that does connect West Lafayette and Lafayette," said Margerum. "Everybody remembers that Roger Branigin was from Lafayette. We all are extended family of the Branigin family."

In fact, Roger Branigin's own son, Doug Branigin, joined the festivities.

"In the future it will be nice to know that my father's name will be identified with this bridge," said Doug Branigin.

The bridge was completed in 1996 and now connects the newest sections of U.S. 231 in Lafayette and West Lafayette.

Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Cristine Klinka said the bridge itself is an award winning construction. At one time, said Klinka, the beams that supported the bridge were the longest of their kind in the world.

James Wurster, a member of the architectural team that designed the bridge, said he was happy about the dedication of the bridge to Branigin.

"I think it's neat," said Wurster. "He was a good governor and this is a great way to pay tribute."

Wurster added that approximately 20 of the people who worked to design the bridge were graduates of Purdue.

Bridge honors ex-governor

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City editor:
Heather Mangold

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