Port KC could seek $90M for bridge to connect Columbus Park to Berkley Riverfront

A proposed new connection between Columbus Park and the Berkley Riverfront could soon be one step closer to reality.

The Port Authority of Kansas City, a state-created agency that supports development projects in Kansas City, has been involved with the build out of the once-underused Berkley Riverfront into a full-fledged neighborhood and entertainment district with a soccer stadium and a soon-to-be streetcar connection.

But with last week’s opening of a pedestrian bridge from the River Market to the riverfront, there still remains a missing easily accessible link from Columbus Park to the riverfront along Lydia Avenue.

Those trying to access the riverfront area from Columbus Park to the south instead have to cross multiple at-grade railroad crossings, which can get blocked, on a road with no sidewalks.

Port KC has been working to fix that with a proposed flyover crossing that would instead carry traffic over the railroad crossings, which would stave off travel delays and be helpful for fans attending KC Current games and the growing number of residents and visitors in the area. It could also better connect the East Bottoms with the surrounding area via Guinotte Avenue.

Initial design work has been underway after Port KC received a $2.5 million federal grant under a program aimed at projects that improve rail crossings.

Port KC’s development committee voted on Monday to recommend that its full board move forward with another application to the rail crossing grant program for up to $90 million that would help support final design and construction of the flyover.

Jon Stephens, president and CEO of Port KC, called the request “vital” and expects the grant application to score highly — under the grant program’s last round of funding — when the federal government reviews it.

Port KC officials said they are coordinating with the city on the grant. The federal grant would need a 20% local funding match, and officials said they will work with the city and other possible sources on it.

Exactly what the flyover would look like and how it would be aligned is to be finalized.