News Summary
A $2 million federal grant from the Port Authority of Kansas City will enhance safety at a dangerous railroad crossing near the KC Current stadium. The project focuses on eliminating the hazardous crossing on Lydia Avenue, which lacks proper safety measures and poses risks to pedestrians and vehicles. The funding will support a study and design for a new flyover crossing, aiming to improve traffic flow and community safety in the rapidly developing Berkley Riverfront area.
Kansas City
Plans are underway to enhance safety at a hazardous railroad crossing in the Berkley Riverfront area near the KC Current stadium, thanks to a $2 million federal grant received by the Port Authority of Kansas City. The project aims to eliminate the dangerous crossing located on Lydia Avenue, which directly connects to Columbus Park. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure in the rapidly developing neighborhood.
The railroad crossing currently features four rail lines at street level, lacking sidewalks and possessing minimal safety measures. This setup poses significant risks for not only pedestrians but also vehicles and emergency responders. Trains operate around the clock, leading to travel delays that can last up to 40 minutes. These delays have incentivized some individuals to attempt to climb between stopped railcars, which presents a considerable danger and increases the likelihood of accidents.
The federal grant funding will be utilized to study and design a proposed flyover crossing, intended to significantly enhance safety and ease traffic congestion in the area. Port KC is collaborating with Burns & McDonnell during the design phase of this critical project. Initial design work is projected to be completed by 2026, paving the way for the implementation of the flyover.
This flyover aims to improve accessibility to the burgeoning neighborhood, which is home to CPKC Stadium and several new residential developments. As Port KC and the KC Current spearhead large-scale redevelopment efforts in the Riverfront area—situated just south of the Missouri River and near downtown Kansas City—the surrounding environment is evolving quickly.
Several ongoing projects also reflect the ambition to enhance the Riverfront area, including a new streetcar extension leading directly to the riverfront and a pedestrian bridge connecting this area to the River Market. These enhancements are part of a long-term vision, as the Riverfront is projected to more than double its current population, foot traffic, residential units, and businesses within the next decade.
The federal grant comes from a program established under infrastructure legislation passed by Congress in 2021, specifically aimed at eliminating dangerous railroad crossings across the nation. This grant not only supports local safety initiatives but also represents a commitment to improving transport infrastructure and community development in Kansas City.
As the plans for the railroad crossing transformation move forward, the community anticipates a safer and more efficient environment, reflecting the needs of an area undergoing substantial growth. Stakeholders believe that these improvements will positively impact local residents, visitors, and businesses alike, fostering a thriving community that prioritizes safety and accessibility.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City News
- Wikipedia: Rail Transport in the United States
- Chicago Tribune
- Google Search: Railroad Safety
- KMBC News
- Google Scholar: Railroad Crossing Safety
- Fox 4 KC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Train Crashes
- WQAD News
- Google News: Railroad Infrastructure
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
