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.
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Click on the aerial image for a better view of the proposed improvements.
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