The grand opening of the Rock Island Bridge, a century-old locomotive bridge being transformed into an over-the-water entertainment destination and public park, has been postponed to spring 2025.
The delay is attributed to construction complications, including issues with plumbing delivery, the need to strengthen support beams, and the Army Corps raising the levee on both ends of the bridge. Unexpected costs have also arisen, such as a $500,000 expense for bridge strengthening requested by the Unified Government.
“Going first is rarely simple or straightforward,” said Mike Zeller, CEO of the bridge’s developer Flying Truss. “This is a barn-raising effort to create something first here in Kansas City, with people from across the community pulling together to get it done.”
The project, now with a $15 million price tag, was initially slated to open this year. The project has been delayed first from spring to summer, then summer to fall of this year, before the new opening target date of next spring. Zeller says the entertainment bridge was always supposed to close in the months of January and February, so the delay adds a silver lining of avoiding a brief opening and then a seasonal closing.
“We’re on the 20-yard line, and this gives us the time to ensure everything is running smoothly for our guests, and at a standard that this national-level project requires,” said Zeller.
While the grand opening is delayed, Zeller said guided tours will be available for those eager to see the progress. Tour dates will be announced on the project’s website.
The renovated bridge will feature two stories of seating, restrooms, bars, and businesses suspended above the Kansas River. Officials hope it will spur development along the riverfront and reconnect Kansas City, Kansas, with Kansas City’s West Bottoms.
“We can’t wait to celebrate with you all this spring — over the river,” says Zeller.
