The Christopher S. Bond Bridge has become a classic shape in the Kansas City skyline.
Scenic cityscape views greet drivers as they pass under the cables and across the Missouri River.
The bridge is named in honor of former Missouri Senator Christopher S. Bond.
The $232 million project began in 2007. It was also known as kcICON, which refers to “Kansas City Interstate Connections.”
Workers reconstructed nearly five miles of the I-29/I-35 corridor, which included a laundry list of safety and traffic improvements.
Along with the construction of the bridge, kcICON rebuilt five interchanges. That included widening and replacing pavement, reconstructing other bridges, building sound and retaining walls, and redesigning the area with landscaping and aesthetic improvements.
Crews also deconstructed the old Paseo bridge once its replacement was complete.
The changes helped improve southbound traffic flow into the downtown area, and improved access to some roads, including Levee Road, Front Street, 16th Avenue and Armour Road.
MODOT and Kansas City wanted the new bridge to be on par with iconic bridges around the world. So, they formed a community committee to help select the final design.
This was the first time a state department of transportation allowed aesthetic design to come from outside the department, and the project is credited with creating a new awareness for community involvement in major projects.
The gateway towers more than 300 feet above the river, and the delta-shaped pylon is steadied by 40 support cables illuminated with cannon lights.
More than 100 color-changing LED light panels on the outer edges of the structure can display a wide array of patterns. They often reflect seasonal changes and community events. For example, when the Chiefs or Royals win, the bridge will be lit red or blue. For Work Zone Awareness Week, MODOT lit the bridge orange.
MODOT lit the Christopher S. Bond Bridge orange for Work Zone Awareness Week. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The bridge was completed on-budget and ahead of schedule. It was dedicated on Sept. 27, 2010.
MODOT partnered with several companies and designers to complete the bridge, but the lead designer was PARSONS, and construction was led by a coalition of companies known as the Paseo Corridor Constructors.
To learn more about the design and construction of the Christopher S. Bond Bridge, and to see more pictures, check out this presentation put together from MODOT.
