Widening of Red Bridge Rd. east of Blue River receives funding

By John Sharp

Two long-needed street and bridge improvements in south Kansas City are finally advancing.

In January the City Council passed an ordinance authorizing a $458,621 contract with HW Lochner for the final design and preparation of construction bid documents for widening Red Bridge Rd. from Blue River Rd. east to Montgall to three lanes and constructing curbs & gutters, a sidewalk & trail, upgraded lighting and a storm sewer system similar to the improvements already completed from Holmes Rd. to Blue River Rd.

Current plans call for construction of this phase of the Red Bridge Rd. improvements estimated to cost over $6.8 million to be funded in the city’s 2022-23 fiscal year.  Two later phases are planned to complete the Red Bridge Rd. improvements, the next running from Montgall to Jackson, and the final phase from Jackson to Grandview Rd. 

A hearing on February 17 approved an ordinance authorizing a $491,487 contract with Alfred Benesch & Company for preliminary and final design services to replace the significantly deteriorated bridge on Raytown Rd. over Lumpkins Fork near Longview Lake.  

The current bridge, built in 1932, is rated as one of the city’s most deficient structures.  This project also will address erosion around the bridge.

Plans call for construction of the new bridge estimated to cost over $4.3 million to be funded in the city’s 2021-22 fiscal year.