Buck O’Neil Bridge Opens in Kansas City

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Buck O'Neil Bridge in Kansas City was held on Monday, marking the culmination of a years-long construction project. The new bridge, which replaces the original built in 1956, will facilitate over 50,000 vehicles daily, connecting I-35 to US-169 while improving access to downtown and the airport. Although the ceremony was attended by key officials, including Missouri Governor Mike Parsons, the bridge is not expected to open for traffic until later in October. The project, costing approximately $12 million, aims to enhance regional connectivity and includes dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. Local businesses are hopeful that the completed bridge will restore normal traffic patterns and customer flow, especially ahead of the busy holiday season. MoDOT anticipates full operational status of the bridge by December 2024.