Late last week the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission announced that it has selected Massman-Clarkson, A Joint Venture, as the design-build contractor to replace the Buck O’Neil Bridge, formerly known as the Broadway Bridge.

Construction is anticipated to begin in fall of 2021 and be fully complete by late fall of 2024.

The John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil Memorial Bridge is a triple arch bridge carrying Highway 169 over the Missouri River, and serves as a key regional connection between downtown Kansas City and the Northland. While safe, the bridge is nearing the end of its projected service life. Opened in 1956, the bridge is nearly 65 years old. Close to 50,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

“We are thrilled by the decision and look forward to working with Massman-Clarkson, A Joint Venture,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Kansas City district engineer Dave Silvester. “This is such an important regional project that wouldn’t happen without the partnership between the City of Kansas City and MoDOT.”

“This is a significant milestone for the project, and the City of Kansas City is glad to see this progress,” said city manager Brian Platt. “We will continue working with the state to ensure the project employs a diverse workforce as we build this vital and transformative economic link between downtown KCMO and our northland region.

“This will benefit our residents and visitors by adding bike and pedestrian facilities, improving access to the downtown airport and decreasing traffic congestion, especially on our local streets.”

The contractor competed against two other design-build teams (American Bridge and Traylor-Ames) both of whom had local and national experience.

Massman-Clarkson, A Joint Venture’s dynamic project proposal demonstrated a design that would be the best value for the City of Kansas City, which made them the top choice.

The winning contractor had to meet or exceed several goals, which included: providing a direct connection between Highway 169 to Interstate 35, building a new bridge that can be reasonably maintained and will provide a century of service, and while also minimizing the impact to the traveling public during construction.

The new Missouri River Bridge will cost close to $220 million dollars to construct and will provide a safe, connective and accessible transportation facility that improves regional and local system performance.

The Massman-Clarkson team includes the following firms: Massman Co., Clarkson Construction Co. and HNTB Corporation, all of Kansas City.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, visit the website at modot.org/kansascity.