Port KC Receives $2 Million Federal Grant to Eliminate Dangerous Railroad Crossing

File Photo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –– The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration awarded a Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant of $2.5 million to Port KC.

Port KC is located in the Berkley Riverfront, and the grant will be used to eliminate three high-risk grade crossings at the Riverfront.

This funding will pay for 30% of the design of a multimodal flyover overpass at the Lydia railroad crossings, which are just south of Berkley Parkway and west of I-29. Motorists, emergency responders, and pedestrians have long been concerned about the safety of these crossings. In addition, the opening of CPKC Stadium has increased traffic, and more growth is on the way.

Lydia crossings, south of Berkley Parkway, which is just south of the Missouri River, in Kansas City (courtesty openrailwaymap.org)

Specifically, the Berkley Riverfront’s population is expected to double in the next ten years, which will bring more residents, visitors, apartments, businesses, and more to the area. Mobility issues will be improved next year with the Kansas City Streetcar and a bicycle/pedestrian bridge, but the last remaining problem is in the southeast corner of Berkley Riverfront, which does not have sidewalks or any other safety measures in place.

Jon Stephens, CEO of Port KC, said “We are thrilled to accept this grant from the federal government. This project has been a top priority for our team. We hope this 30% completion goal will move us one step closer to a safe and more efficient option for modes of transportation.”