The Fairfax and Platte Purchase Bridges are due for replacement, and we want to make sure the new bridge includes good bike/ped access.

The two bridges carrying US 69 over the Missouri River between Riverside and KCK are at the end of the useful lives. MoDOT and KDOT have begun the process of replacing the bridges with an Environmental Impact Study. The Fairfax Bridge has traditionally been a route cyclists to cross the Missouri River between Platte and Wyandotte Counties, at least until the City of Riverside removed safe access in early 2009. There is currently no safe way for pedestrians to cross the river between the two counties.

The first public meetings were held on November 13th, and now the engineers are refining the options. Initial concepts for a new bridge(s) includes a bike/ped path on one side, but we need to show strong public support to ensure it stays in the plan and utlimately gets built.

Learn more and submit comments online via the MoDOT web site.

A final decision if or how to replace the bridgeds isn't expected until 2014, so BikeWalkKC will be monitoring the process and keeping you updated along the way.