Missouri Bicycle News :: MoDOT to retrofit two major Kansas City bridges for bicycling, walking <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blogger.com/static/v1/common/js/761502680-csitaillib.js"></script> <script>if (typeof(window.attachCsiOnload) != 'undefined' && window.attachCsiOnload != null) { window.attachCsiOnload('ext_blogspot'); }</script>

You may remember that the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation has led a multi-year effort, in cooperation with local bicycle, pedestrian, and community groups, to great safe bicycle and pedestrian access across the Missouri River near downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

There is currently no good, safe way to bicycle or walk across the Missouri River anywhere in the Kansas City metro area--despite the fact that the river cuts the metro area in half.

Two results of that effort were announced recently: Bicycle/pedestrian retrofits of the Heart of America and Chouteau Bridges near downtown Kansas City.

CHOUTEAU BRIDGE PROJECT
MoDOT's web site has more details about the proposed Chouteau project--which will include both bicycle lanes and a separate sidewalk on each side of the bridge:

What's the Need?
In 2006, MoDOT conducted a bicycle and pedestrian feasibility study as part of the Interstate 29/35 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The study team included representatives from Kansas City, North Kansas City, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), Missouri Bicycle Federation, Bridging the Gap, Federal Highway Administration, Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and MoDOT.
The study team identified the Heart of America Bridge as the preferred river crossing for bicycles and pedestrians. The Chouteau Bridge is a candidate for similar retrofitting, based on safety, connectivity, condition of the structure and need.
What's the Solution?
MoDOT plans to retrofit the 8-year old bridge as part of already-scheduled bridge work. The department will use existing pedestrian access to provide greater access for both foot and pedal traffic.
When complete by 2010, the Chouteau and Heart of America bridges will help Kansas City achieve its goal of a phased network of 600 miles of on-street bicycle routes within the city.
What's the cost?
The bicycle and pedestrian retrofitting will cost about $2.8 million, of a nearly $5 million project that also includes some needed bridge repairs. The funding is from allocated state and federal money.

Read more and leave your feedback on the project here.

It looks like the Chouteau Bridge project will be a very good, very well designed project.

HEART OF AMERICA BRIDGE PROJECT
The Heart of America bike/ped retrofit project will be a major improvement as well--though it faces a greater challenge simply because there is less space to work with on the bridge deck.

Heart of America could be a much better, safer project for bicycling and walking--more like the Chouteau Bridge project, in fact-- if the agencies involved would give full consideration to removing an (unnecessary) third travel lane on the southbound side of the bridge.

So far MoDOT has not fully considered that option, so leaving feedback asking them to do so would really help out. Contacts are:

Stephen.Porter@modot.mo.gov
Senior Community Relations Specialist
MoDOT, District 4
816-622-6329

and

Joab Ortiz
Joabortiz@burnsmcd.com
Senior Public Involvement Specialist
Burns & McDonnell
816-349-6766

Click here for more details about the Heart of America project.

Comments: 1 comment on this article

Kevin wrote:

11/01/09 09:09pm • 65.26.50.156

the problem with the Heart of America link is there's no connection up as the bluffs on the other side have at the shallowest Cherry St. The pedestrian path needs a route across town and then some way up the bluffs without a terrible grade.

Related:: News: Harkin "Complete Streets" Amendment fails; MO Sen. Bond speaks against; News: Pedestrian death today underlines need for safe river crossings; News: Area bicyclist calls for safe river crossings in Kansas City area; News: KCMO city council passes resolution in favor of bicycling/walking on the new Paseo Bridge; News: Bicyclists attend Paseo Bridge groundbreaking

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