(January 14, 2026) Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the Metropolitan Avenue bridge carries 10,400 vehicles daily across I-635 and serves as a vital link within the Argentine neighborhood. Constructed 45 years ago as a five-lane bridge to accommodate expected growth that never occurred, the bridge had deteriorated. Trapped deicing salt and water gradually compromised it from within, leading to internal degradation. Recognizing the bridge had reached the end of its service life, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) contracted with JEO for survey and engineering design services to replace it.

The project was fast-tracked from the beginning. The nearby US-69 (18th Street) viaduct over the Kansas River is scheduled for replacement soon, and I-635 will be the detour. This dictated that the Metropolitan Avenue bridge be replaced now, prior to that project, so detoured traffic won’t have to travel through an active construction zone on I-635.

Previously, while Metropolitan Avenue was two lanes, the bridge expanded to five lanes, creating driver confusion that often led to crashes. The lanes on the new bridge now reflect the lanes on Metropolitan Avenue, with easily identifiable turn lanes.

While initially scoped as a bridge replacement, the project team evaluated the entire interchange to identify traffic and pedestrian safety enhancements that could be implemented during construction. Several elements were folded into the project without slowing the schedule or adding significant costs. These included updated traffic signals to improve traffic flow; a new pedestrian and bicycle path on the bridge; improved pedestrian access throughout the interchange, including connecting existing sidewalks and paths to the bridge for complete connection; and new interchange lighting.

The new bridge and interchange improve safety and convenience for both drivers and pedestrians. The project was completed a year ahead of schedule and under budget, meeting all of the client’s goals.