Allison BarnetteThe Port Authority of Kansas City (Port KC) has received a $2.5 million Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to begin developing plans for a multimodal overpass at Lydia Avenue that connects Berkley Riverfront with Columbus Park.
The federal funding will support the initial 30% design phase of the Lydia Avenue flyover, a multiphase project that seeks to improve connectivity and safety along the Berkley Riverfront. Port officials anticipate the project will provide improvements to a region that is projected to double in size, residents and businesses over the next decade.
The first phase, led by Burns & McDonnell, is essential for determining the approximate project cost when it comes time to build. The port is currently in the process of securing additional funding to support the 60% design milestone, which includes detailed engineering, continued environmental analysis, property acquisition and cost estimates.
The crossing, which includes the CPKC stadium area, currently spans four active rail lines without sidewalks or barriers, causing delays of up to 40 minutes and posing risks to pedestrians, drivers and emergency responders.
Port KC anticipates the project will not only eliminate safety hazards but also improve access to regional offerings, enhance connectivity and support economic growth.
Once the project’s initial two phases are funded and completed, Port KC will have a clear construction budget and timeline. If further funding is secured, the overpass design could be finalized in the years following 2026, with construction potentially starting around 2029.
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