State and local partners advance coordinated investment to replace aging bridges over I-70, the Kansas River, and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Kansas officials announced a coordinated $135 million infrastructure investment to replace multiple aging bridges along Central Avenue in Wyandotte County, a long-awaited project that will restore a critical east-west connection and support economic activity on both sides of the Kansas River.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Unified Government (UG) Mayor and CEO Christal Watson, and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Calvin Reed announced the project Thursday. The effort will replace bridges over Interstate 70, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Kansas River.
“The Central Avenue Bridge over the Kansas River has a long history of supporting economic growth and freight movement in Kansas City,” Mayor/CEO Christal Watson said. “I, along with Unified Government Commissioners and staff, are thrilled that we’re going to restore connectivity with the construction of a new bridge. We are extremely grateful for the funding and collaborative efforts of our State Representatives, as well as a special thank you to the UG Public Works Department and Benesch Engineering. It is truly a new day for Wyandotte County/ KCK, where we are focusing on resetting mindsets, renewing relationships, and now rebuilding bridges.”
“Today’s announcement reflects the power of collaboration, looking at the bigger picture and listening to communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Through effective problem solving, we’re able to address more needs with the same level of investment.”
“I’m happy for everyone in Wyandotte County, especially the good people of Strawberry Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods, to see the bridge reopened,” said District 2 Commissioner William (Bill) Burns. “It will serve as an economic catalyst for local businesses and provide an important pathway for residents and visitors alike.”
“I am thrilled that Wyandotte County is receiving support from the State of Kansas to repair the Central Avenue Bridge. Since day one, I have been committed to finding funding to update our aging infrastructure, and I commend the Mayor for helping make this happen,” said At-Large District 2 Commissioner Andrew Kump. “Central Avenue is a vital commercial artery for our community, and this repair represents an investment into the East side of Wyandotte County. I want to thank our state representatives and community members who have organized and let the Kansas Department of Transportation know how important this bridge is to our community and economy.”
“Receiving help from the state to repair and reopen the Central Avenue bridge is exciting and most appreciated,” said At-Large District 1 Commissioner Melissa Bynum, “This project will strengthen and further solidify our partnership with our Kansas colleagues and provide access to this vital connection for our community, businesses, and visitors. We extend gratitude to all who have worked so diligently to see this assistance become available.”
Both the UG and the Kansas Department of Transportation own bridges along the Central Avenue corridor that are in need of replacement. The bridge over the Kansas River, which is owned by the UG, was closed in spring 2021 due to safety and structural concerns. The KDOT-owned bridges over I-70 and the Union Pacific Railroad remain open but are nearing the end of their service life.
UG officials said both agencies had previously conducted separate studies to evaluate replacement options. During public outreach, KDOT heard strong concerns about maintaining access to the industrial area west of the Kansas River and connections to the West Bottoms to the east. While evaluating those concerns, KDOT engineers identified an approach that would preserve connectivity while expanding the project to include replacement of the UG-owned bridge, all within the same estimated cost.
“Including the replacement of the bridge over the Kansas River will allow KDOT to replace the bridges over I-70 and the Union Pacific Railroad in a more cost-effective way, resulting in the project cost remaining consistent with the original estimate,” Secretary Reed said. “This is a win-win for Kansas. We’re replacing more aging bridges and responding directly to community needs.”
The project is estimated to cost approximately $135 million and could be let to construction as early as late 2028.
