Kansas City’s Grand Boulevard bike-pedestrian bridge opens — officially this time
The new bike-and-pedestrian bridge along Grand Boulevard opened Friday — this time, officially.
Kansas City leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the bridge that connects the River Market over train tracks to the Berkley Riverfront Park area. The pathway, which runs along the outside of the existing Grand Boulevard Bridge, separates traffic from pedestrians and cyclists
The bridge was briefly accessible for a weekend in mid-April after barricades were moved, even though the project was not yet complete — something the city said had happened two weeks earlier as well.
A city public works spokesperson said the barriers were not meant to be moved until the project was 100% completed.
“The River Market to the Riverfront connection opens up our waterfront in a way that benefits everyone in the community, whether you’re biking, walking, or just taking in the view,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release announcing the opening.
Shortly before 6:30 a.m. Friday, Lucas tweeted that the opening makes it easier for everyone in Kansas city to get out, walk and explore.
The opening comes ahead of the Riverfront streetcar extension, expected to open May 18. Once that occurs, people will be able to take the streetcar from the University of Missouri-Kansas City to CPKC Stadium and the Berkley Riverfront Park.
“This project is evidence of the City’s commitment to building the kind of infrastructure that puts people first, especially those walking, biking, or using public transit,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said in the news release.
“This pedestrian bridge will add to the vibrancy of the River Market and Riverfront districts, continuing the positive momentum in Kansas City.”
The city worked with several partners to make the new bike and pedestrian bridge possible, including the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, RideKC and PortKC.
The bridge cost just under $16 million. Funding sources included future city bonds, GO bonds, and casino lease revenue, according to the city.
