Bridge could be turned into recreational space under proposal

Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas, left, and Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor David Alvey, right, met last week to review plans on the Rock Island Bridge, a proposed recreational space over the Kansas River. (Photo from Michael Zeller, Flying Truss LLC)

A proposed riverfront development, the Rock Island Bridge project, would connect Kansas City, Kansas, with Kansas City, Missouri.

The project over the Kansas River would convert the old Rock Island Bridge, built in 1905, into a recreational and events space that could attract tourists. The bridge is next to the Hy-Vee Arena.

It would be expected to generate millions of dollars of development in the riverfront area, according to developers.

A proposed trail across the bridge would connect it to the metro area’s network of trails. The project also includes a food hall.

The project is expected to come before community leaders at a later date for approval.

Leading the project is Michael Zeller, founder of Flying Truss LLC. The project has received a 50-year lease from the city of Kansas City, Missouri, which owns the bridge. For more information on the project, visit Rockislandbridgeproject.org.

The Rock Island Bridge over the Kansas River connects Kansas City, Kansas, with Kansas City, Missouri. The HyVee Arena is nearby. The bridge is proposed to be a recreational and event space. (Photo from Michael Zeller, Flying Truss LLC)
The Rock Island Bridge is under development to be turned into a recreational and event space. (Illustration from Michael Zeller, Flying Truss LLC)