Kansas City: A rusting railroad relic over the Kansas River has been reborn. The Rock Island Bridge, built more than 120 years ago, opened in April as a public gathering space with a two-story restaurant, event venue, and walking path connecting trail networks in Kansas and Missouri.
CEO Mike Zeller holds a 66-year lease on the structure from Wyandotte County, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. The idea struck him a decade ago on a boat trip up the Kansas River. “It seemed like others he remembered loitering on as a young man; an object that something should be done with,” he said.
In 2017 Zeller founded Flying Truss LLC to lead the renovation. He credits a “P6 approach” — public-private-philanthropy-people-purpose-process — for pulling it off. About 35 local businesses donated materials and labor. A neon entrance sign came from Hammer Out Design. A local legal firm worked pro bono for seven years.
The 18-foot-wide bridge used three steel trusses built by Andrew Carnegie’s firm. Structural analysis showed it could hold 3.16 million pounds before the old rail track and concrete were even removed. Contractor L.G. Barcus and Sons found little repair needed beyond replacing bolts and treating rust.
To fit the new use, 15-foot cantilevers support a wrap-around deck for restaurant space. Engineers solved challenges like crowd load shifts and fitting two restaurant stories under the 300-foot central truss without hiding it. Lift gates from a 1952 project to raise the bridge after a flood were still maintained. With a new motor and grease, the trusses were raised again to meet U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards for a 750-year flood.
The new steel and cantilevers added 680,000 pounds — well within limits. Truss beams now plunge through walkways and even tables. The old railroad track serves as footrests along the bar.The $20 million project was funded by 60% private investment, 30% public grants, and 10% philanthropy. “A gift from about 200 Kansas Citians to our city,” Zeller said. The bridge is free to walk across and will host farmers markets, live music, and ticketed concerts. A full opening of all areas is slated for mid-summer.
