Click here to review the Riverfront Rail Crossing Elimination (RCE) Study.
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $2 million Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant to Port KC to identify a feasible and reasonable alternative to address safety and improve access into and out of Berkley Riverfront. With additional local match funds, the $2.5 million study’s primary objectives are to formally establish the project’s purpose and need, analyze the impacts of various design alternatives, and ultimately determine a preferred alternative to eliminate the existing at-grade crossings on Lydia Avenue with grade-separated access to Berkley Riverfront.
An 17-acre Riverfront Park on the south bank of the Missouri River hosts cultural events and offers amenities such as the 15-mile Riverfront Heritage Trail, sand volleyball courts and 4.7 acres of wetland restoration. The park is adjacent to approximately 85 acres of developed or developable land managed by Port KC, with sweeping views of the downtown Kansas City skyline and the Missouri River.
The RCE grant was awarded based on the findings of a Port KC and Burns & McDonnell partnership to develop the Berkley Riverfront Connectivity Study, which provided detailed strategies to reimagine and redevelop the riverfront into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood connecting Kansas City to its river heritage. The Berkley Riverfront Connectivity Study found current methods of protecting the travelers from the rail crossing (road closed barricades and railroad crossing signals) are not keeping ride share users, pedestrians and cyclists safe. A new grade-separated crossing at the railroad tracks will help with vehicle, pedestrian and bike safety under current and forecasted travel demand.
The purpose of the RCE Study is to evaluate alternatives to enhance the safety and reliability of all travelers between Berkley Riverfront and neighborhoods to the south and east by replacing the Lydia Avenue at-grade railroad crossing with grade-separated access to Berkley Riverfront. The study is anticipated to be completed in August 2027, including all required environmental documentation and a conceptual design of the preferred alternative.
Project Background:
- The purpose of the Rail Crossing Elimination study is to enhance the safety and reliability of travel by all modes between Berkley Riverfront and neighborhoods to the south and east by replacing the Lydia Avenue at-grade railroad crossings with grade-separated access to Berkley Riverfront.
- Total project cost: $2.5 million:
i. Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $2 million grant to Port KC
ii. Local funds: $500,000
