Paseo Bridge--the next step

We have been working on a new metro-wide policy for bike/ped access on major river crossings.

This was all brought to pass by the planned construction of a new Paseo bridge over the Missouri River.

Bicycle & pedestrian advocates and planners in the region realized that this will be the only chance within perhaps the next 50 years to create a bike/ped friendly crossing of the Missouri River anywhere near downtown Kansas City.

The River Crossings Policy task force is moving forward with the general region-wide policy.

Now the next step is moving forward on the Paseo bridge project.

Open houses scheduled for May 9 at NKC Community Center and May 11 at Garrison Community Center in Columbus Park.

Even a few people showing up at these meetings to speak for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation would make a huge impact on the whole process. Please plan to be there if you can.

Comments on the Draft EIS will be accepted through May 22, 2006 and may be submitted to the FHWA and MoDOT through the following means:

- Via mail to: I-29/I-35 Draft EIS, c/o HNTB, 715 Kirk Drive, KCMO 64105

- Via e-mail to: i29i35EIS@hntb.com

Even a simple statement via email is helpful: "I support bicycle and pedestrian access across the Missouri River and on all local roads crossing the proposed Paseo project."


Relevant excerpts from the EIS:

16. Plans for suitable pedestrian and bicycle access upon streets crossing I-29/35 and
I-35/70 will be considered during the design of the interchanges and bridges where
warranted by land use.

17. MoDOT will support the future creation of a bicycle and pedestrian connection across
the Missouri River on the Heart of America Bridge, M-9, in conjunction with local master
plans. This project may be funded by local or regional transportation sources."

More info at these web sites:

http://www.downtownkc.org/content.aspx?pgID=894
http://www.modot.org/kansascity/major_projects/documents/A_Summary.pdf

[Thanks to Eric for the tip.]