Exciting Changes Coming to Kansas City Traffic with Buck O’Neil Bridge Update

Exciting Changes Coming to Kansas City Traffic with Buck O’Neil Bridge Update

Hey Kansas City! If you’re planning on heading north over the Missouri River soon, be prepared for a little detour. Starting at 9 p.m. this Thursday, traffic on northbound U.S. 169 will be closed temporarily to allow work crews to shift traffic onto the brand new northbound Buck O’Neil Bridge. This new addition is part of an exciting upgrade designed to enhance our beloved city’s connectivity!

What’s Happening?

According to Brooke Rohlfing, a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Kansas City District, the closure is part of the final preparations on this major project. The closure will last until around 3 p.m. Friday, at which point the northbound lanes are expected to reopen on the shiny new bridge. That means for about 18 hours, you’ll need to find an alternate route if your travels take you that way!

Understanding the Buck O’Neil Bridge

Now, let’s talk about what this all means! The new Buck O’Neil Bridge is not just any bridge; it’s a pair of sleek, new bridges that replace the iconic triple-arch steel-truss bridge we used to know and love. That old structure originally opened in 1956 as a toll bridge and was fondly known as the Broadway Bridge until it was renamed in 2016 to honor the legendary sports figure, Buck O’Neil. It’s exciting to see Kansas City continue to honor its history while also stepping boldly into the future.

Current Traffic Conditions

If you’ve been driving in the area, you might already be aware that earlier this year, northbound traffic was shifted to the new southbound bridge. Meanwhile, southbound U.S. 169 has been closed near the Wheeler Downtown Airport, with detours via Interstates 29/35 over the Bond Bridge. All this traffic switching is a temporary inconvenience that, believe it or not, will pave the way for a much-improved travel experience!

What’s Next?

After the traffic shifts later this week, crews will continue to work on completing the overall project. For those of you who regularly travel southward, be advised that the southbound detour is expected to remain in place over the Bond Bridge until December. It’s a small price to pay for a larger reward, and the final result will be well worth the wait!

What Makes the New Bridges Special?

The completed bridges are poised to make a significant impact on how we travel through Kansas City. Specifically, the new design will offer direct connections to and from Interstate 35 and U.S. 169, making your commutes smooth and straightforward. Plus, there will be dedicated lanes for easier access to downtown Kansas City. And for those of you who enjoy biking or walking, a new bike and pedestrian lane is also part of the plan!

More Than Just a Road

That’s not all! The project also places a strong emphasis on enhancing accessibility to the Wheeler Downtown Airport. In addition to the functionality improvements, the bridges will feature a scenic overlook complete with benches and colorful murals that celebrate our vibrant Kansas City community. How great is that?

Wrap Up

So there you have it, folks! While the brief northbound closure may cause a bit of hassle, it’s all part of a grand plan to make Kansas City better connected. We’ll soon be cruising along newly minted bridges that make our journeys faster and more enjoyable. Keep an eye on the road updates, plan your routes accordingly, and enjoy the ride!