10/14/2026
Half a bridge is still a bridge, but the other half is almost here. 🌉
The Kansas side of the Rock Island Bridge is set to open in November, with its own parking lot and an official west side entrance, according to an update shared at the Greenline Committee's October meeting.
Since the bridge opened on April 1, the only way on has been from the Missouri side in the West Bottoms. That means anyone coming from KCK has had to drive over to use it.
The details:
📍 1799 American Royal Dr., over the Kansas River between the West Bottoms and Armourdale
🗓️ West side entrance and parking lot targeted for November
🥾 The full KCK Levee Trail system targeted for March 2027
🚧 Work has been slowed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers levee expansion along the river
🔁 The bridge is a key link in the Greenline, the proposed 10 mile trail loop around downtown
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and KCK is building the west side access points, trails and ramps. The Kansas City Star reported in April that the western access point, including a trailhead and parking, was expected in fall 2026, with the rest of the trail system likely in 2027 once the Corps finishes its levee work.
Once it's done, walkers and cyclists will be able to cross the state line on a 1905 railroad bridge without getting in a car.
Will you be coming over from the Kansas side? Let us know in the comments.
