The Metropolitan Avenue bridge in Kansas City, Kansas, carries 10,400 vehicles daily across Interstate 635 (I-635) and serves as a vital link in its neighborhood. Constructed 45 years ago as a five-lane bridge to accommodate expected traffic growth didn’t occur, the bridge had deteriorated as trapped deicing salt and water gradually compromised the bridge from within. Recognizing it had reached the end of its service life, the Kansas Department of Transportation contracted with us to replace it. This project was fast tracked by a year to align with other regional projects.

From the start, the project team took a comprehensive approach, including the evaluation of traffic patterns and crash history in the hopes of improving safety for the traveling public through the project area. Though Metropolitan Avenue is a two-lane street, the bridge’s five-lane width caused driver confusion and frequent crashes. The team recognized a road diet could narrow the new bridge, reduce construction costs, provide the appropriate number of lanes, and provide an improved path for bicyclists and pedestrians.

All interstate lanes remained open during construction, except during bridge demolition and beam installation, when short-duration (off-peak hours) detours were provided. Metropolitan Avenue traffic followed a posted detour. Strategies for managing work zones, signage, and temporary traffic control efforts encouraged smooth traffic flow throughout construction.

The new bridge features updated traffic signals, street lighting, pavement markings, signing, sidewalks, crosswalks, and a new pedestrian and bicycle path. Safety improvements include reduced pedestrian crossing distances and accessibility improvements. Aesthetic enhancements, such as decorative finishes, an attractive pedestrian fence, and textured/colored raised medians, create a welcoming environment for non-motorized traffic.