Alderman Edward M. Burke and CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein presided over the rededication of the Wagner Memorial Bridge attended by more than fifty descendants of the late Alderman Clarence P. Wagner. The event coincided with the 60th anniversary of the passing of Alderman Wagner, a Southwest Side political powerhouse and one of Chicago’s most historically significant elected officials. A reconstruction of Congress Parkway over the South Branch of the Chicago River made necessary the replacement of two plaques that mark the bridge. Wagner was a 14th Ward Alderman, the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the City Council Floor Leader. He was considered a frontrunner to become Chicago’s next Mayor when he died suddenly in a car crash near International Falls, Minnesota. The ceremony was held on the approach to the bridge at Congress and Wells.