Design-Build Comes to Kansas City

Later today, MoDOT is going to announce the team to rebuild/replace the historic Paseo Bridge in Kansas City. MoDOT will be using the design-build project model for this, just as they are using design-build — with a great deal of early success — for the New I-64 project in St. Louis. I was wondering whether a public-private partnership had been considered for this project, but at just $245 million, it is probably a little too small a bridge project for a PPP. They would probably have the same issue with a PPP and tolls that St. Louis had when considering tolls for the new Mississippi River bridge: With many other free bridges so close by, it would not be economically feasible for a private entity to construct a toll bridge. Anyway, the expansion of design-build, with all its resultant cost savings, is exciting in and of itself.

I also want to highlight one of the great lines in this article from the Kansas City Star. I like bike lanes and pedestrian access. The redone Eads Bridge over the Mississippi has great access for both, along with light rail, and it’s wonderful. Same with the Old Chain of Rocks bridge in north St. Louis County. However, sometimes the bike crowd does not know when to stop — for its own good. Contrast this line:

Brent Hugh, executive director of the Missouri Bicycle Federation, sent a last-ditch letter to the highway commission last week, yet again pleading for consideration of a bike and pedestrian lane.

With this line:

Cutting through an industrial area served by rail, barges and trucks, this stretch of highway […]

Perhaps the bicyclists would be better served by NOT being routed right through the heart of a major industrial traffic area. I don’t think helmets do much good when you are confronted with 18-wheelers all around you. Perhaps there is a better place in Kansas City for bike and pedestrian lanes? Just a suggestion …