| Transportation Operations and Management |
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PA CMT Description:
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New Sidewalks and Designated Bicycle Lanes on Local Streets – The proposed bridge enhances the network of bicycle and pedestrian connections parallel to existing local streets and activity centers.
Improved Bicycle Facilities at Transit Stations and Other Trip Destinations -The proposed bridge will increase connections to the 3rd and Grand transit center including multiple KCATA Bus routes, KC Streetcar stops, and RideKC Bike docking stations. This bridge will provide a direct link between two large trip destinations and encourage the use of accessible active transportation.
Exclusive Non-Motorized Rights-of-Way - This proposed bridge facility will be a dedicated facility exclusive to the use of bicyclist and pedestrians.
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PA SOV Capacity:
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This project does not add single occupancy vehicle capacity.
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PA Pre-application Statement:
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Changes made
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PA Pre-application Statement Text:
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Comments received from the pre-application indicated a desire to incorporate trees in an effort to increase the canopy in this area and reduce the heat effect. Our design efforts will include incorporating opportunities for tress and other plantings at the two termini of the bridge in the River Front and River Market. We will also engage the designer to look at any opportunity to incorporate special landscaping designs on the bridge.
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PA Pre-Application Staff Alignment:
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PA Pre-Aplication Policy Concerns:
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General Information
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G1. TIP Number: |
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G2. State: |
Missouri
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G3. Multiple agencies / jurisdictions?
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No
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G4 Project contact: |
Anthony Sands
Kansas City Public Works
414 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
Cell: 816-309-9853
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G5 Purpose and need:
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The purpose of this project is to provide a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian route in the Grand corridor between the River Market and the River Front where such a connection in the corridor does not currently exist. The current bridge connecting these two areas is currently only wide enough for two-way vehicle traffic. This current bridge is also identified to carry the streetcar in the future. Despite the width barley passing vehicle traffic, bicyclist, pedestrians, wheelchairs, scooters, and other non-motorized transportation utilize this bridge in large amounts on a daily basis. The construction of this bridge will provide a dedicated facility to safely separate this traffic from vehicular traffic in the corridor.
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G6. Origin and ending
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Route:
From:
To:
Length (Miles):
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Grand Boulevard
0.70000
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G7 Functional Classification:
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Minor Arterial
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G8 Connected KC 2050 Decade?
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--Select--
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G9 Muli-Agency Plan?
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No
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G10 Included in a CIP?
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Yes
This project is listed in Kansas City’s current 5-year Capital Improvements Plan, the RiverFront Streetcar Extension Plan, and supplements the KC Walkability plan and the 3rd & Grand TOD Planning Sustainable Places Plan.
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G11 Planning stage:
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Preliminary Plan
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G12 Reviewed by state DOT?
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No
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G13 Right-of-Way acquisition: |
Not started
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G14 ROW by local public agency process manual?
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Yes
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G15 Other unique local goals and objectives?
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Yes
The Grand Bridge project provides a dedicated facility for active transportation users separate from automotive traffic. The project builds off of several studies highlighting the importance of the Grand Boulevard corridor as a complete street multimodal link. The corridor is identified as part of the Smart Moves 3.0 network and a supplementing component of the Riverfront KC Streetcar expansion. The Grand Bridge project promotes goals set in the Kansas City Bike Plan, Kansas City Walkability Plan, the Trails KC Plan, and many additional studies. The Streetcar and Riverfront Extension and Multi-modal Feasibility Study identified strong public support for the Grand Boulevard pedestrian bridge as a feature that will improve overall multi-modal connectivity.
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G16 Transportation Disadvantaged Population:
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The Grand Bridge project is designed to supplement existing and future public transportation infrastructure. The proposed bridge will provide connections to existing KCATA and KC Streetcar routes and stops. The project also supplements the public transportation system by providing first and last mile links between activity centers. Currently, the parcel of land located at 3rd & Grade is being developed by the KCATA as a transit orientated development. This new development will enhance the existing transit center located at the intersection. The proposed bridge will provide a bicycle and pedestrian connections directly adjacent to this TOD. The bridge is also designed to supplement the existing and future expansion of the KC Streetcar. These goals all contribute to removing the need to use/own a personal vehicle in the project area.
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G17 Relevant Public Engagement:
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In 2017 The Kansas City Streetcar Authority, Port KC, KCATA, and The City of Kansas City began a study process to investigate the extension of the streetcar the Riverfront area and improve multi-modal connections between the River Market and Riverfront areas. This study held public meetings and engaged stakeholders in the area on the best way to accomplish these goals. Public engagement included face to face meetings with area stakeholders, an open house, and surveying riders of the existing streetcar system. The study and engagement strongly recommended a separate bicycle and pedestrian connection between these two growing areas.
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G18 Planned Public Engagement:
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Our projects team will utilize creative digital methods to continuously engage the public during the design to ensure local goals and visions are reflected in the finished project. The project’s location between two growing central downtown neighborhoods will require continuous stakeholder and public engagement. In this time during the coronavirus pandemic public engagement needs to be creative and dynamic to ensure public safety. One of the key factors in selecting a design team was the focus on strong public engagement plan that recognized the need to work within the constraints of the pandemic and be creative enough to still provide outreach. Our team has planned to utilize digital tools powered by our public outreach partners to provide safe platforms for project involvement. We will continuously adapt to the changing pandemic landscape incorporating different engagement methods as allowed.
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G19 Sustainable Places Criteria:
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----Active Transportation/Living-------Compact, Walkable Centers---
Complete Street Design---------------
----Green Infrastructure-------Integrated Trail System---
Mixed-Density Neighborhoods-----------Pedestrian-Oriented Public Realm---
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Transit-Ready Corridors-----
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G19.1 Describe PSP relationship:
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Active Trans. encouragement by linking two growing centralized areas with numerous mixed-use land developments with a safe dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility. Complete street design by enhancing an already desired user corridor link to accommodate alternative transportation methods. Green infrastructure development by reducing the carbon footprint of motorized vehicles. Integrated trail system expansion providing a direct link between the developing Grand Boulevard bike lanes and the Missouri River Heritage Trail. Mixed-Density neighborhoods completely surrounds the projects location and will be further enhanced by the new infrastructure. Pedestrian Orientated Public Realm is implemented by enhancing two walkable activity centers changing the landscape from auto-oriented to pedestrian-orientated. Transit Ready corridors are both expanded and enhanced with the project. The corridor currently supports KCATA routes and is a planned expansion route of the KC Streetcar and TOD.
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G20 Implements Sustainable Places Initiatives?
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Yes
An increased development of bike/ped infrastructure in the project area has been identified as a priority across many different studies. The proposed bridge would land in the River Market area directly adjacent to the TOD site studied in the 2013 Third & Grand Multimodal Transportation Hub Planning Sustainable Places study. The study highlights the need for bike/ped facilities within the planned area to support the study’s TODs. Currently the intersection of 3rd &Grand is a mobility hub of many multimodal connections and future planning efforts have identified ways to strengthen these efforts
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G21 Serves Regional Activity Center?
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Yes
Highest-Intensity and Most-Walkable Centers
The River Market is an established High-Intensity activity center that will gain in quality and quantity of transportation options from the bridge project. Over the next few years currently built and actively being built development projects will transform the River Front Area into an activity center. The built and planned land use is mixed in both multifamily residential and commercial developments. The Grand Bridge will enhance the transportation options of accessing the current River Market Activity Center while laying the ground work for connecting the future Riverfront activity center.
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G22 Environmental justice tracts?
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Yes
This project improves alternative transportation access options to the environmental justice tract located on the east side of the bridge. This corridor will improve access to the North Eastern Industrial and residential area on the eastern side of I-35/29. Currently, access between the River Market and the East Bottoms is provided by Lydia Ave which is frequently blocked by trains stopped in the rail yards adjacent to the roadway. The new grand bridge will not only provide a more direct bicycle/pedestrian link to the River Market from the East Bottoms, it will be grade-separated from the two class-one Railroads.
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G23 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions?
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Yes
This project reduces GHG emissions by providing a bicycle and pedestrian trail, substituting automobile trips (which consume fossil fuels and generate GHG and other pollutants) with bicycle and pedestrian trips.
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G24 Natural Resource information:
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The relatively narrow footprint of this bridge will have a minimal impact on existing natural resources and tree cover in an area that is already disturbed by historical development. A SWPPP will be implemented on this project to prevent soil erosion off the site and into the Missouri River. The bridge design will make efficient use of concrete, steel, and other construction materials. This project will catalyze infill development, which provides an alternative to sprawling greenfield development
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G25 Community Links at Watershaed Scale:
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The new bridge eliminates a disconnect to the Missouri River. The connection encourages pedestrian access to the Missouri River and promotes the use of the Missouri River Heritage Trail. The Heritage Trail parallels the Missouri River the navigates the watershed though multiple jurisdictions.
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G26 Explain local land use or comprehensive plans:
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The project is supported by multiple local River Front developments that are both planned and currently under construction. The proposed bridge project has been intertwined in many land use plans shown by PortKC with the development of new commercial attractions and multifamily development. The bridge is designed to supplement the KC Streetcar extension to the River Front and further develop the River Market/River Front’s walkability plans.
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Project Financial Information
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CMAQ Federal amount
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500000
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CMAQ Match amount:
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2500000
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CMAQ Year requested:
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2023
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TAP Federal amount:
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500000
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TAP Match amount:
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2500000
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TAP Year requested:
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2023
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Source of Local Match:
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General Obligation Bonds
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Explain:
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Scope Change:
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Modification to the end treatments of the bridge can be scaled and site amenities can be adjusted.
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Cost by area: |
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Engineering:
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0
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Equipment Purchase:
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0
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Right-of-Way:
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50000
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Other:
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0
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Utility Adjustment/Relocation:
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0
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Program Implementation/Construction (including Construction Engineering/Inspection):
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5350000
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Contingency:
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600000
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Total Estimated Project Cost:
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6000000
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Cost Breakdown by mode:
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Highway:
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%
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Transit:
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%
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Bike:
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50 %
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Pedestrian:
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50 %
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Other:
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%
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Supporting Documents
Submitted (Public) comments
Liam Dai said...
I am in full support of this project. A deviated pedestrian connection Is needed here to (1) reduce vehicle traffic and emissions (2) provide a safe route for the many pedestrians and cyclists I see occupying the road lane (3) promote development.
9/23/2020 7:23:23 PM
Marc said...
I support expanding dedicated bike lanes in the urban core. I am a crossroads resident who wishes I could ride my bike to more destinations
9/23/2020 7:51:49 PM
Matt Staub said...
Not only are the River Market and Riverfront active neighborhoods full of citizens who often use alternative transportation — its also a regional amenity and a major tourism draw. The desire to travel on foot or by bike between the neighborhoods is a natural one. In fact, we see it every day, despite the unsafe conditions of the current bridge.
It is important for the future of these neighborhoods that we make the smart investments to make alternative transportation viable, lest we undermine their emergence as true mixed-use walkable and livable communities.
Investing in a proper safe connection on this route will reap huge rewards:
-Itll help build business and residential strength in the neighborhood by facilitating movement without the need for cars
-Itll connect one of the regions most popular recreational amenities, the Riverfront.
-Itll clear the way for the addition of streetcar to the Grand Street Viaduct.
This is an incredibly smart investment that will yield dividends.
9/24/2020 2:05:31 PM
Tom Gerend said...
This project will bridge a significant divide and barrier that limits direct at-grade bicycle and ped access between the River Market and the Berkley Riverfront. Importantly this project will also solve a long-standing safety problem that results from the lack of bicycle and pedestrian facilities on the current Grand Avenue Bridge by providing a high-quality dedicated connection for non-motorized user. Not only will the project address this long standing connectivity and safety problem, it will reinforce and support the $20m streetcar extension that will be built adjacent on the current bridge, and support the rapid redevelopment taking place on the riverfront and in the City Market. All in all this project will realize a multi-modal linkage befitting our historic and long underutilized riverfront.
9/24/2020 2:39:43 PM
Zachary Brown said...
I live in the Crossroads and walk/bike everywhere, yet I almost never visit the Riverfront. Access to the park is either a long out-of-the-way walk or a very dangerous walk/bike ride over the existing viaduct. Ask anyone whos driven over it and youll quickly confirm that there are many people that walk/bike/scooter over it, which shows the demand for access even in its current state. This is a vital connection that the city needs if it hopes to capitalize on riverfront investments and give its residents a first-class outdoor amenity.
9/24/2020 5:13:30 PM
Leib Dodell said...
I am the CEO of Bar K, the new dog park/bar/restaurant in Berkley Riverfront Park.
The bike/ped bridge is absolutely critical to our community. We had over 350,000 humans visit Bar K in our first full year -- and virtually all of them drove. The bridge would allow large numbers of dog owners and others to safely walk/jog from downtown. The streetcar is great, but as of now it is not dog-friendly. The ped bridge will be absolutely transformational for the neighborhood.
9/24/2020 5:46:07 PM
Mark Pomerenke said...
The planning for the Bike/Pedestrian Bridge was integral in NorthPoints decision to start construction on the $61 Million CORE apartment project during a global pandemic. In fact CORE is an acronym for “Connecting Our Riverfront for Everyone” and we believe in the Streetcar Expansion, the Bike/Pedestian Bridge and nearly doubling the Berkley Riverfront population with our projects as equally important elements in that regard. Our tenants are drawn to amenities such as the proposed Bike/Ped Connection and that is why we agreed to build our private drive to complete streets standards that will connect from where this facility will hit the ground near the entrance of Bar K in the to the intersection of Riverfront Drive and Berkley Parkway. We believe this connection will have enormous economic benefits to the riverfront that far outweigh the costs
9/24/2020 8:30:15 PM
Joe Perry said...
Berkley Riverfront is an 85 acre island of land separated from the Greater Downtown Area by 6 active rail lines, a state highway, an interstate highway, and the Missouri River. The City and Region have had a plan to connect this land to the rest of the city and those projects have made this an important place. This project leverages those past investments like more efficient interstate access, recreational trails, and an urban parkway, but it also adds the needed complement of bike/ped access for the Streetcar expansion. Port KC is dedicated to making Berkley Riverfront a place for all Kansas Citians and those who want and need to arrive by foot and bike are an important component. I support this funding for these reasons and because it will reduce carbon emissions, it provide more healthy chooses for current and future residents, and it provides more opportunities for building an equitable and inclusive community at Berkley Riverfront.
9/25/2020 9:21:21 AM
Everett Gibson Kerr said...
As the marketing broker for Berkley Riverfront, I can attest to the importance of strengthening connections to the River Market and Downtown. Currently, one of the riverfronts biggest hurdles is overcoming the perception that it is separated from Downtown. The bike-ped bridge would be a huge enhancement to the area.
9/25/2020 11:14:00 AM
David T Smith said...
I would love a bike/walk bridge to the Riverfront. Imagine not having to take the urine smelling elevator at the end of the Town of Kansas bridge to an unlit path to get to the Berkeley park and its surroundings.
The bridge would make me feel safer every time I go to the Missouri River.
Hey, you could even connect the trail to Kansas and further east like we said we would ten years ago.
You could connect the bike lane to the 3rd street bike lane. It would be so amazing for those of us residing in the River Market.
9/25/2020 12:35:31 PM
Kate Barsotti said...
This bridge would be a major amenity and also a huge safety improvement to connect people to recreation, businesses, and neighborhoods.
9/25/2020 12:42:15 PM
Jason Ouderkirk said...
It would be nice to run and bike from the River Market bvb to Berkley.
9/25/2020 12:55:29 PM
Chris D said...
As a Columbus Park resident and someone who walks and bikes with my partner and dog often down to the River Market and Berkley. I support this plan and think many residents and visitors would use and appreciate it.
9/25/2020 1:10:05 PM
Mike Fredholm said...
I use a wheelchair for my mobility. The current pedestrian access from the RiverMarket to Berkley park involves a single elevator that frequently breaks down. This bike/pedestrian access is not just a wish, it is CRITICALLY NEEDED so I dont get stuck on the riverfront( This has happened- the CID folks rescued me). I am not a very good overnight camper!! I met another wheeler, a geologist, who rolls from 10th and Wyandotte to Berkley Park for his exercise. He could not go the day I met him because of the broken elevator. If this bridge were a reality, he could access the Riverfront, just as every other downtowner could.
9/26/2020 10:30:33 AM
Jason Pizza said...
It would be phenomenal to have more pedestrian and bike paths to promote healthy and active was to safely traverse the downtown adjacent Kansas City neighborhoods. It would be wonderful to have more pathways to promote healthy lifestyle and make more places readily accessible without having to drive an exhaust producing vehicle.
9/26/2020 1:41:51 PM
Joe Dusenbery said...
This would be a great addition, especially for anyone living in the river market/columbus park area. You would be able to walk your dogs safely to and from Bar K or walks along the river front.
9/27/2020 8:39:50 AM
David Hensley said...
I am in full support of this plan. Creating a bike/ped route will truly connect downtown and River Market to the Riverfront. This seamless connection is certain to become a bustling route for both locals and tourists alike. Continuing to activate our Riverfront will be key to the progression of our city!
9/27/2020 8:56:55 AM
Megan Amendola said...
This would be a great addition! Safe access to our local businesses.
9/27/2020 10:53:40 AM
Scott Bauer said...
Improving bike/ped access from downtown/river market to Berkeley would be a major boom for both areas. It’s currently very unwelcoming and unsafe to bike between both areas.
9/27/2020 11:40:05 AM
Jennifer Pace said...
Yes! Absolutely. Would be even better if it was East Market or even Columbus Park (East of 9 Hwy). 100% would use this bridge.
9/27/2020 12:37:22 PM
Jordan Cobler said...
Would be much easier to walk safely with my dog when we are exploring the river market to get to bar k!
9/28/2020 1:00:08 AM
Luke Wade said...
KC Crew operates sand volleyball courts that we lease from Port KC in Berkley Riverfront Park. Nearly 100% of our over 1,000 weekly sand volleyball customers drive to play volleyball in our leagues. We know many of our customers live and/or work downtown and would prefer a bike or pedestrian alternative to driving. This project would add another appeal to our growing volleyball leagues we have at Berkley Riverfront and we encourage it’s funding.
9/28/2020 9:42:09 AM
Leanne Breiby said...
I fully support a safe connection between the River Market and the river front for bikers and pedestrians. I am a downtown resident who has made the mistake of walking the current vehicular bridge, which was quite harrowing.
9/28/2020 10:09:40 AM
Tim Baldridge said...
This would be a key connection between the Riverfront area and the River Market / Downtown - very appropriate project, will deliver great value to the city.
9/29/2020 10:41:49 AM
Alexander Gilbertson said...
The improvements in KCs bike/ped infrastructure have been great, and have increased my sense of safety while biking. However, there is a lack of continuity. Typically routes that are safe for cycling end abruptly, putting cyclists at risk. This project and others like it would the overall experience and help add a sense of continuity. I support this project.
9/29/2020 10:55:23 AM
Katie R Martinovic said...
This would be a great addition to both the River Market & River Front development. As a former River Market resident and current KC, MO resident I see this connection as vitally important to continue improving our River Front. Also, I love the comments about adding trees & landscaping to the plans!
9/29/2020 11:35:58 AM
James Rice said...
This project fills a critical need to close a gaping void in the downtown bicycle and pedestrian network. Direct connectivity between River Market and Berkley Park will enhance both neighborhoods.
9/29/2020 12:38:29 PM
Brad Hus said...
I am in support of the pedestrian / bike bridge connection from River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park. Connectivity of all kinds is essential to help promote acceptance of a wide variety of life styles, diversity of people, as well as promoting the expansion of opportunities to explore more places in different ways. Connectivity can also be a catalyst for businesses to thrive and possibly create more opportunities for successful new developments of many different kinds.
10/6/2020 7:57:16 AM
Ross Harness said...
I fully support a pedestrian/bike bridge to the riverfront, more than I support the street car extension to riverfront (I fully support extending streetcar to UMKC). With the street car stop at 3/grand, the river front isnt that great of a walk/bike distance. With better pedestrian infrastructure, would the money for the streetcar to riverfront be better spend elsewhere?
10/9/2020 12:48:47 PM
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Kansas City, MO 64105
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MARC
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