Project Description

The U.S. 69 (18th Street) Bridge over the Kansas River in Kansas City, Kansas (KCK), is one of the few remaining deck truss bridges on the state highway system. Built in 1959, the bridge has undergone numerous rehabilitations over its 60-year life and needs a new design and complete replacement.

The project is moving forward with final design and will replace the bridge at its current location. The new bridge will use modern design standards, including new 10-foot-wide exterior shoulders and 6-foot-wide interior shoulders. It will also include visually appealing designs for the fencing over the railroad and the exterior concrete pattern. The pattern will be a stone pattern consistent with the Lewis and Clark Viaduct that connects KCK to Kansas City, Missouri, helping to reduce costs associated with maintenance and will provide a similar look and feel throughout the area. KDOT will be implementing additional improvements in the corridor to use a full closure of 18th Street and improve motorists’ driving experience. 

These improvements will include: 

• Roadway improvements along 18th Street just north and south of the river bridge.
• Bridge rehabilitation on the 18th Street bridges over Ruby Avenue, Metropolitan Avenue, KCT Railroad and Osage Avenue. 

Project History

Project Location

Project Schedule

The final design phase will conclude in 2024 with construction projected to begin in 2025. The bridge will be closed to traffic throughout the duration of construction. It is estimated that this full closure will last for two construction seasons or approximately 24 months. Alternative detour routes will include I-35, I-635 and I-70.

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Project Materials

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