Rock Island Bridge Renovation
The transformation of a 100-year-old abandoned railway to an entertainment space connects communities from Missouri to Kansas.
Lead Contact
Project Details
Project Partners
Multistudio
Owner
Kansas City, Kansas
Location
Kansas City, Kansas
Completion Date
Area
35,000 ft²
Bridge Span
700 ft
Overview
A railroad bridge that once transported cattle from stockyards has become a hub for entertainment and the first trailhead over a river in America. The bridge's double decker design makes room for amenities that include a food hall, coffee shops, event spaces and public seating for around 400, along with a pedestrian and bike trail.
We provided structural design services to support the conversion of the 700-foot-long railroad bridge into a pedestrian bridge and entertainment hub.
Highlights
- The hybrid walking trail and entertainment space rises 40 feet above the water.
- The upper level of the railroad bridge spans approximately 8,000 square feet and is located about 12 feet above the lower level.
- The project includes a 250-person event space with a fixed roof at the top of the bridge truss and operable side curtains.
- The west end of the bridge includes a community zone of approximately 1,800 square feet.