Multimodal access to Kansas City's riverfront--getting it right | Urban Angle

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Streetcar expansion to the riverfront is being explored in large part to address the connectivity barriers between the riverfront and the rest of Downtown. Today, it is not particularly easy to get to the riverfront for anyone not in a car (and even for drivers the options are limited). Railroads, highways, bridges, and other barriers separate the riverfront both physically and psychologically. The Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge connects to a trail that leads to Berkley Riverfront Park, but it is a ¾ mile trek to reach the western edge of the park. Cyclists must traverse a series of stairs or an elevator ride to access the trail. Access from the east is equally daunting. The only connection is via 3rd Street, following a long and circuitous path across railroads and industrial areas with no bicycle or pedestrian accommodations of any kind.

Link: 

Multimodal access to Kansas City's riverfront--getting it right | Urban Angle

MoBikeFed comment: This is a very detailed analysis of options for better bike, ped, trails, and transit access to Kansas City's riverfront area, where development plans have been in the air for many years, but are now starting to move forward in a concrete way.