In July 2022, the Kansas Avenue/Cesar Chavez Bridge was closed due to serious structural concerns identified during inspections. This bridge, serving as a major arterial between Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, carries approximately 7,000 vehicles daily and plays an important role in neighborhood revitalization and community development efforts along the Kansas River. Efforts are underway to secure funding and develop a plan for its repair or replacement.
The bridge was closed in July 2022 following an inspection by HNTB, a consulting firm for the Kansas Department of Transportation, which identified serious structural concerns. A subsequent inspection by the Unified Government’s contractor, Benesch, confirmed these issues, requiring an immediate closure for safety reasons. This bridge is similar in design to the Pennsylvania bridge that collapsed in January 2022.
The bridge is an important connection between Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, carrying approximately 7,000 vehicles daily. It supports major neighborhood revitalization efforts, community development projects, and businesses along the Kansas River.
Following the closure, the Unified Government's Governing Body approved funding for temporary repairs in the fall of 2022. However, upon further investigation, additional funding was required due to the extent of defects throughout the structure. Significant cost elements, including substantial temporary shoring supports, river barge mobilization, and material prices, will contribute to a rehabilitation cost representing nearly one-half of a full structure replacement cost of roughly $116 million.
The Unified Government, in partnership with Kansas City, Missouri, submitted a federal funding application in 2023 for a Mega/INFRA grant to support the bridge’s rehabilitation or replacement. Although the initial application was not selected, discussions for resubmittal are ongoing. The estimated cost for a new structure is $116 million.
A new bridge would meet public transportation needs, serve as a gateway, and add amenities such as new bike lanes, pedestrian paths, LED lighting, and other multi-modal options that enhance the quality of life. It would also support economic redevelopment, regional freight, interstate commerce, and connect historic Hispanic communities on both sides of the Kansas River.
The inspections conducted in 2022 revealed that the bridge required immediate emergency repair and partial closure to through traffic. The structural concerns were significant enough to warrant a complete closure to ensure public safety.
The project is a joint effort between the Unified Government and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The total estimated cost is $116 million, with federal cost-share expected to cover 60%, and the local cost-share to cover 40%. The Unified Government is seeking additional support and funding opportunities to cover the costs.
The Unified Government Public Works Department is working diligently to ensure complete detour routes are available and fully labeled to minimize disruption for commuters and residents. Click here to view or download the detour route(PDF, 4MB).
Work to re-open the bridge continues. Here is a brief list of major updates:
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Learn More(PDF, 4MB)
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