Kansas City breaks ground on bike/pedestrian bridge connecting River Market to Berkley Riverfront
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Walking or biking from the River Market to the Berkley Riverfront will soon be easier and safer, thanks to a new bike and pedestrian bridge now under construction.
The City of Kansas City, in partnership with the KC Streetcar Authority, RideKC and Port KC, broke ground Friday on the $15.4 million project. The bridge will run alongside the existing Grand Boulevard viaduct, creating a dedicated path for walkers and cyclists.
For years, residents have expressed concern about the lack of safe pedestrian access between the two growing districts.
“We are thrilled to see this bicycle-pedestrian bridge taking form,” said Peter Carnesciali, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. “Even if people have a car, they’d rather leave it at home and walk or bike if there’s a safe way to do it. I’m really glad there’s going to be a safe way now.”
Colby Sodem, a River Market resident, said he often bikes to the Riverfront to watch KC Current games, but the trip hasn’t always felt safe.
“I’ve experienced how difficult it is to get between these two neighborhoods,” Sodem said. “This is going to help a ton for people who want to just go from one to the other without having to drive, find another parking spot, or walk a mile out of their way.”
City leaders say the project is just the beginning of a broader plan to better connect the Riverfront to the rest of Kansas City.
“The Riverfront has long been forgotten,” said Fourth District Councilman Eric Bunch. “One of the main reasons it feels so cut off is because there are no options for people to walk or bike or use any other mode of transportation to get down here.”
As the Riverfront continues to grow with new development and increased foot traffic from both residents and tourists, officials say improving accessibility is a top priority.
“This is going to be so much safer, so much more connected for everybody,” Carnesciali added.
Construction is expected to wrap up by early 2026, just in time for Kansas City to welcome the world during the FIFA World Cup.
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