The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has been awarded $62.6 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the 18th Street bridge in Kansas City. The funding comes from USDOT’s Bridge Investment Program.
“The health of our transportation infrastructure is vital to the safety of all who travel on Kansas’ roads, bridges, and highways,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “The 18th Street bridge has been a critical connection for decades, and this project will support continued success and growth in the area.”
Originally built in 1959, the bridge is beyond restoration and needs to be replaced, according to the governor’s office.
In 2017, the bridge was closed due to corrosion and cracking. Repairs extended the bridge’s life. However, the bridge was approaching the end of its service life, and maintenance was no longer cost effective.
“Bridges are absolutely vital to our public infrastructure – not just as part of our state highway system, but as crossings within communities,” Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “KDOT appreciates the emphasis the U.S. DOT has placed on updating our existing bridges, such as the one on 18th Street over the Kansas River.”
The current bridge has four 12-foot lanes with 3-foot shoulders. The new bridge will use modern standards with 10-foot exterior shoulders and 6-foot interior shoulders.
KDOT also plans to improve the roadway along 18th Street just north and south of the Kansas River and bridge rehabilitation on the 18th Street bridges over Ruby Ave., Metropolitan Ave., Kansas City Terminal Railway and Osage Ave.
Construction is scheduled for 2025 and will last two years.
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Source: WDAF-TV, KCTV
