River Crossing Options

Click to Zoom MoDOT recently evaluated options for constructing a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian crossing of the Missouri River in the Downtown area. They have agreed to pay for one project as part of the overall Paseo Bridge replacement scheme, but it doesn't have to go on the new Paseo Bridge. All but the purpose-built bridge would cost less than 15% of the Paseo project budget, meaning current policy deems it feesible to build. Heart of America Bridge (Route 9/Oak/Burlington) This option would create an 8 or 10 foot bike/ped path on northbound shoulder, with a barrier and fence separating it from the automobile lanes. Bike lanes or shared use lanes could be added to outside the barrier. Cost: $2.3 million. Another option that some folks are proposing to MoDOT is to take away the unnecessary third southbound lane to create barrier-separated bike/ped lanes on both sides. Paseo Bridge (I-35/I-29/US 71) The advantage of this bridge is that it is funded and construction is set to start in 2008. It's not pie in the sky, bulldozers are waiting to move. Paseo would also be great for connecting the levee trails planned both banks of the river. Unfortunately it would not bridge the railroad tracks on the north side, so user would have to detour a bit to get back to the street grid. Cost: $6-9 Million. Town of Kansas Bridge A creative idea is to extend the existing Town of Kansas pedestrian bridge/overlook to create a stand-alone bike/ped bridge from the River Market to the Harlem and Downtown Airport area. Unfortunately the current bridge would have to be raised several feet to accommodate river traffic. Cost: $9 Million. Purpose-built bridge The final option is build a brand new bridge just for bicycle and pedestrian traffic, similar to what is being built in Omaha. It would likely go between the Broadway and Heart of America Bridges, connecting the River Market with Harlem and the Downtown Airport. This option is likely higher than the 15% threshold for the Paseo budget. $20-30 Million. ASB Bridge (BNSF Railroad) This railroad bridge west of Heart of America used to have a top deck that carried four lanes of automobile traffic.  As such, it could easily accommodate a path without any structural reinforcement.  However, the demolished on/off ramps would have to be replaced.  Sadly the BNSF railroad has not returned any requests for discussion about this bridge and would likely be very reluctant to share it again.  Therefore, the ASB Bridge was not evaluated further and was tabled as a possibility for the future. Cost: Unknown.