Summary of West Bottoms Bi-State Gondola

Unified Government

Added by 2021 Update

Project Number:	21
Organization:	Unified Government
Project Name:	West Bottoms Bi-State Gondola
City(ies), County(ies), State:	Kansas City, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, Wyandotte County and Jackson County
Routes, interchanges and/or intersections:	From Downtown KCK to Downtown KCMO via the 9th Street/St. James right of way
Primary Project Mode:	Other
Supplementary Project Mode(s):	* Active Transportation * Highway/Roadway * Transit ) Currently there is no viable pedestrian connection between the regions two sister cities; its central business district (KCMO) and its adjacent Downtown (KCK). While the Riverfront Heritage Trail does provide this link, it is neither a welcoming nor safe pathway for pedestrians, and it is virtually unused by bicycles, let alone for functional trips. The current connection is dominated by the I-70 viaduct with other modes amounting to a mere afterthought as until recently the West Bottoms has been and still is dominated by non-pedestrian friendly industrial and other noxious uses. Creating a gondola would connect the two downtowns, generate redevelopment opportunities at station locations, and provide a clear pedestrian link to supplement inadequate and infrequent bus service between the two Downtowns via the West Bottoms.
Project Purpose:	* System preservation, rehabilitation or replacement * Ecosystem Restoration * Other (Economic Development and Community Regeneration)
Project Description:	Summary Link - An aerial lift is a clear and permanent public investment that like the streetcar starter line would draw significant economic development. As a people mover, it would serve an immediate environmental benefit pulling cars off the road network and creating greater pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. With foresight, a new form of transit-oriented infill development could realize the diverse, mixed-income and inclusive community that our citizens have been advocating for and that once existed when these two cities and the region was connected via streetcar. The benefits of such a connection will expand access to housing, jobs, entertainment and services while transforming our own understanding of a shared “Downtown”. In doing so, such a strategic move will not only unlock currently pent up economic development opportunities, particularly in the West Bottoms and Downtown Kansas City, Kansas, but connect the region’s Central Business District to greater affordability options. This will immediately expand our access to a more diverse mix of experiences, land uses, building typologies and demographics that together can chart a more equitable future for the region.
Scope:	Depending on the final route, the gondola would traverse approximately two miles between Downtown Kansas City, Kansas and Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. As currently envisioned, the gondola will have four (4) total stops; the termini atop each bluff, and two West Bottoms stations at the heart of ongoing redevelopment in the old warehouse district, and another at the James Street pivot, which is necessary to no intrude on any private property air rights. Aerial lift capacities can range between 3,000 and 5,000 passengers per hour, per direction (pphpd), depending on technology. Generally, monocable systems can carry as many as 3,000 pphpd and 3S systems can carry as many as 5,000 pphpd. Other types of technologies can carry somewhat more or less passengers, although are less frequently used than monocable or 3S systems. Cabins can arrive as fast as every thirty seconds to a minute and can be added or removed from the system to increase or decrease capacity. The speed of aerial lifts can also be increased or slowed to change capacity or extend the passenger experience. Monocable cabins carry as many as 15 passengers, and 3S cabins carry as many as 35-40 passengers. All cabins can be designed to be ADA accessible, socially-distanced, and carry both passengers and bicycles.
Funding Source:	KSMO Loc
Total Budget in 2019 Dollars:	$47,045,000
Decade:	Illustrative
Application Score:	112
Constrained / Illustrative:	Illustrative
Priority:	High
Adds Capacity:	No

Submitted comments

Please note, only public comments are available for review, which may differ from the total shown on the project listing page.

Spencer Day said...

Seems like a huge waste of money. I’m all for infrastructure projects but this is pie in the sky stuff. The heritage trail gets used by many people but it needs some improvement. That should cost less than $50 million. Why would a gondola get used more than a trail? This doesn’t seem like a ‘if you build it they’ll come’ situation.

9/1/2021 9:24:28 AM

Ann Plautz said...

What the heck is a gondola good for? That sounds ridiculous. You know what is not ridiculous is the bike-ped bridge from the West Bottoms to Kaw Point. That bridge is used by cyclists constantly. I ride that route almost every weekend. It is a consistent part of my favorite urban bike ride loop. I ride it because I know its safe. Its mostly clean and it is frequented by so many other cyclists, that I know that I can ride it on my own or in small groups. Dont waste your $50m on stupid things like gondolas that have to be staffed and maintained and that I dont think anyone will ever use. You should be putting the money to providing better bike paths and trails and cleaning up and maintaining the ones you have so that people continue to feel comfortable biking KCK and the West Bottoms. These areas are really starting to come back. They are populous because you can access them by bike. Dont cut that off.

9/1/2021 9:25:11 AM

Matt Range said...

Id like to see the data that led to the conclusion that the Riverfront Heritage Trail is "neither welcoming or safe". Id also like to see the data that led to the conclusion that the trail is "virtually unused". Additionally, how much of the city budget would be required annually to keep the gondola properly maintained? Is this included in the $50M? How much would the gondola cost over the next 10 yrs? It seems that the money could be better spent to upgrade the existing infrastructure.

9/1/2021 9:39:46 AM

randall Volmer said...

"While the Riverfront Heritage Trail does provide this link, it is neither a welcoming nor safe pathway for pedestrians, and it is virtually unused by bicycles, let alone for functional trips." I commuted to and from Brookside to Fairfax by bike m-f in the mornings well before sunrise. Always saw people on it on my way home in late afternoon. It also provides a great bike connection to the small restaurants in KCK Strawberry Hill district

9/1/2021 9:45:11 AM

Jack Nowland said...

This pedestrian bridge is vitally important as the only usable link between KCK and downtown KC. Every time I have used this bridge as a cyclist I see people using it. Simply looking at strava heat maps show that this bridge is one of the most used routes in the entire city. 50 million dollars could be used to greatly improve the safety of pedestrians and the general walk and bikeability of the region. This is a tremendously wasteful project.

9/1/2021 9:59:28 AM

SM said...

Dumb. Waste of money. Inaccurate - that bridge is one of the coolest places to bike / walk in the city. What about cleaning it up and promoting it so people feel safe and use it more - instead of pretending it’s not there by flying over it. I’m surprised by the inaccurate description in this assessment, and lack of reality.

9/1/2021 11:08:24 AM

Samuel Swearngin said...

Why dont we maintain what we have! The Heritage Trail is used by cyclist all the time including me and dozens I ride with. A gondola!? Really? Improve and maintain what we have!!!

9/1/2021 11:09:41 AM

Samuel Swearngin said...

Why dont we maintain what we have! The Heritage Trail is used by cyclist all the time including me and dozens I ride with. A gondola!? Really? Improve and maintain what we have!!!

9/1/2021 11:09:41 AM

Tony Stanislav said...

The statement “ virtually unused by bicycles, let alone for functional trips” for the existing bridge is not accurate. I have personally used this bridge along with other fellow cyclists at least twice in the last week. A quick visit using Strava’s heat maps for the Lewis and Clark viaduct indicate some consistent bicycle traffic (for those using Strava: www.Strava.com). I’m sure there is additonal usage from non-Strava users. Please keep this route intact for cycling as it is the safest route between Kaw Point/ KC, KS and the West Bottoms/ KC, MO

9/1/2021 11:11:54 AM

Tony Stanislav said...

9/1/2021 11:17:06 AM

Tony Stanislav said...

9/1/2021 11:17:07 AM

Shawn Tolivar said...

"Currently there is no viable pedestrian connection between the regions two sister cities; its central business district (KCMO) and its adjacent Downtown (KCK). While the Riverfront Heritage Trail does provide this link, it is neither a welcoming nor safe pathway for pedestrians, and it is virtually unused by bicycles, let alone for functional trips." This is patently inaccurate and is easily debunked by simple observation and Strava data. To open with this comment shows just how little MARC actually values bicycle/pedestrian transportation links and how little effort is given to verify usage. The River Front trail and bike/ped bridge is a vital link between KCK and KCMO for many commuters, as well as recreational users. Is spending $50M for a gondola really in the publics best interest? Kansas just spent millions rebuilding a little used I-70 segment that sees very little car traffic. KCK has limited bus service. Is it expected that gondola users are going to walk around carrying all their bags etc? If the gondola accepts bicycles, then the carrying capacity will be greatly reduced and serve little benefit over the existing trail system. Perhaps it would be better to spend that money to upgrade the bicycle/ped connections along the River Front trail, add lighting, police call boxes, and address the issues that lead to it being thought of as a non-welcoming and inviting or safe connection! The River Front Heritage Trail board would love to have that money to make these upgrades!

9/1/2021 11:22:43 AM

Shawn Tolivar said...

9/1/2021 11:22:43 AM

Michael W Gier said...

The heritage trail is far from “virtually unused,” and its use could be improved greatly with approach improvements that would cost far, far, far less than the cost of this gondola vanity idea. Plus, if its needed because the bus service is infrequent, try the far, far cheaper idea of making the bus service more frequent. I’d love to see $50 mil spent on improving pedestrian/bike access in the region, but I don’t think a gondola is a smart investment.

9/1/2021 11:41:32 AM

David Hansen said...

Its definitely not perfect but claiming that the Riverfront Heritage Trail "is virtually unused by bicycles" is just false. I ride it frequently, and its rare that I dont encounter other riders. Thats all anecdotal, of course, but maybe someone can do a traffic study. The RHT is a vital connector. Lets use some of that $50M to improve the trail instead. Start by employing a street sweeper.

9/1/2021 11:43:14 AM

ScottShepherd said...

A gondola? Really? Whoever is proposing this is completely out of touch. I use this bike-ped bridge on a regular basis to get me from the West Bottoms to KCK. I have never felt unsafe nor observed that it is unused. Someone does not have their facts straight! The $50 million should be used to maintain already existing bike-ped paths and to create more (but not like the two-way bike path recently installed on Gilliam. This one IS unsafe!)

9/1/2021 12:01:55 PM

M. Swank said...

I use the RHT daily on bicycle, sometimes on foot. For fun AND functional trips. I cannot think of any time I have not seen others using it. Rather than a vanity gondola, I would rather see our extensive network of levees opened (legally) for safer pedestrian modes of transport from KCK to KCMO, Shawnee, Parkville. Put a bike lane between the E/W lanes of I70. Keep the Central Ave bridge closed to vehicular traffic, make it a river ciclovia. Plant a welcoming mix of native wildflowers and tallgrasses at the base of Strawberry Hill to welcome pedestrian visitors. These are things that will bring people to or through KCK, and make them want to come back.

9/1/2021 2:09:00 PM

Conrad mcanany said...

I use the woods weather bridge on a daily basis to bike to kaw point via the west bottoms where I own a building. If there is any consideration for spending 50 mill on another access point then our local government and planners will once again waste money that could be spent in a sustainable way. You will lose the confidence of your voting populous for which it will not return until the people in charge of this have been voted out of office.

9/1/2021 2:51:06 PM

Conrad mcanany said...

9/1/2021 2:51:07 PM

Phil Smith said...

My wife and I pedal the bridge under the inner city viaduct weekly, and love it. Please add bike trails from the pedestrian bridge to the Platte Purchase bridge through, or around Fairfax which is where cyclist cross the MO river to ride to parkville or Riverside. This would help riders escape the truck traffic in Fairfax. We currently cycle down 3rd St in KCK and work through neighborhoods to 7th st. Which funnels us onto the Platte Purchase bridge. A bike lane through this neighborhood would be amazing. Lastly please put a temporary bike lane across the rock island bridge. Riders could avoid the Kansas Ave bridge. A gondola sounds nice, but some of the funds could sure improve cycle paths. Thanks for your good planning.

9/1/2021 4:26:20 PM

Phil Smith said...

9/1/2021 4:26:25 PM

Bob Yates said...

I did not know this and it seems from reading other comments Im not alone: The Riverfront Heritage Trail does provide this link, it is neither a welcoming nor safe pathway for pedestrians, and it is virtually unused by bicycles, let alone for functional trips. I was on that bridge today with a group of 18 riders that started in Prairie Village, went to Strawberry Hill, and then to Union Station to see the Big Boy. All of the riders on this ride have crossed this "unused" bridge many, many times. One of the great destinations for riders where I live in Brookside is Kaw Point and that bridge is a must. Moreover, with the completion of the trail that connects to English Landing there is now a very safe path to go from KCMO to Parkville on streets with little or no traffic and bike/pedestrian paths. As someone who rides a lot in the metropolitan area, I would love to see the study that claims this bridge "virtually unused by bicycles".

9/1/2021 5:03:54 PM

Mark Norman said...

I cycle the bridge (with a group of 8-20) nearly every week, 9-10 mo. per year. The bridge is not dangerous or in disrepair. There is frequently the smell of sewage along parts of Woodsweather Rd, however I do not think that begins to justify the cost of the gondola project. There ARE many places where the cycling experience COULD be made safer and more enjoyable, if the proposed expenditure could be re-directed. Perhaps the bicycle/pedestrian lane on the new Buck ONeal bridge could be designed in a manner that did not turn it into a gutter for trash & glass that blows through the drainage openings into the bike lanes. Flat tires on the bridges are common.

9/1/2021 5:09:43 PM

Michael Firenzi said...

Some of the stated information is factually untrue. The Riverfront Heritage Trail is absolutely used by cyclists and pedestrians, and is a viable link between the two cities. Empirical data from the Strava app proves this, and many of us use the trail to commute daily. Rather than sink millions into a gondola project, why not spend a fraction as much making the Riverfront Heritage Trail to make it more "welcoming and safe," as you state? The link already exists. Develop it rather than wasting money on a vanity project that flies above it.

9/1/2021 6:31:19 PM

David Manthe said...

A gondola seems to me to be a system and technology that, by its very nature, has limits that render it of limited utility. The premise that the existing pedestrian/cycling bridge gets little or no use also seems to me to be invalid. I and two other riders just cycled across the bridge last night and encountered a half dozen pedestrians just in the short time we spent on the bridge. I have crossed it many times on my bicycle, both while commuting and while hobby riding. I suggest that improvements to the Riverfront Heritage Trail and the existing bridge could be made for a significantly lower cost than a gondola system that would make the trail an even more attractive option than it currently is for pedestrian and cycling traffic.

9/1/2021 8:09:01 PM

Laurie Chipman said...

A gondola is a waste of money. The bridge from the west bottoms to KCKC is used frequently. The main problem with bike lanes in this city is if they are built at all, they are not maintained so that debris/glass build up. Use the money to maintain and upgrade the bike and walking infrastructure. If you want pedestrian links consider buses at frequent enough intervals to work--10 -15 min waits with appealing stations. And sidewalks that are clean, not broken and have easy to cross intersections. Please dont go to a gondola before reconsidering what we have now and what we really need.

9/2/2021 10:22:48 AM

Margaret Jonte said...

This sounds silly… let’s update what we have —make it more accessible. I’m interested in trails.

9/2/2021 10:48:23 AM

sarah said...

How about a gondola from downtown to KCI airport?

9/2/2021 11:07:48 AM

Chuong Doan said...

I use that bridge all of the time. Not only is it great for recreation, its also the safest way to get to KCK to run errands. A gondola would be a complete waste of money. It would be a huge loss to the community to lose the bike/ped bridge. Its absolutely ridiculous that this is even proposed.

9/2/2021 11:35:10 AM

Jeff Perry said...

I cant imagine that people who arent going to the West Bottoms now would make the trip just to ride in a gondola. Furthermore, it is simply wrong to assert that the Riverfront Heritage Trail is "it is neither a welcoming nor safe pathway for pedestrians, and it is virtually unused by bicycles".

9/2/2021 12:14:15 PM

Jeremy H said...

The budget would be far better spent on improving existing links that already see a great deal of use! If you want to reduce car usage, improved bus routes and schedules and a better approach to pedestrian/bike traffic would be far preferred.

9/2/2021 12:23:43 PM

Laurie Chipman said...

I think you will have to provide more proof of the economic development this could provide. How will people get to the gondola? Why would people use it if they need a car to get around after they ride the gondola? Why is it better than a more frequent bus service that could be adjusted to meet needs? How have gondolas fared in other cities as economic stimulators? How many people ride them? Right now I think the money could be better spent on more frequent bus service to the airport or make sidewalks and bike routes clean and appealing. Better bus service through the West bottom. The case for a gondola is speculation right now.

9/2/2021 1:25:51 PM

Mary Davids said...

$50 million could be much better spent upgrading bike/ped routes between the two cities. Better, wider sidewalks and protected bike lanes.

9/2/2021 1:56:39 PM

Big Bill said...

So, we cant get snow cleared from the roads during winter, we have trouble picking up trash from curbside, filling pot holes, what limited bicycle infrastructure there is in KC (both sides of the river) does get use, but also fails the winter test of not being cleared/maintained, and now a gondola? "An aerial lift is a clear and permanent public investment that like the streetcar starter line would draw significant economic development." Umm, yeah, weve done better in the past: https://kchistory.org/image/kansas-avenue-bridge?solr_nav%5Bid%5D=59fd5c628136186a4008&solr_nav%5Bpage%5D=3&solr_nav%5Boffset%5D=1 Hard no on this gondola boondoggle, please.

9/2/2021 2:27:28 PM

Daniel Tiemeier said...

A group of 18 cyclists crossed that bridge this morning after having coffee and muffins at Splitlog Coffee. Maybe some sort of mechanical counter could be set up to count bikes. My question is: the Westbound I- 70 bridge was recently torn down and replaced with a more elevated bridge. Is there a plan to tear down and replace the Eastbound bridge I-70 bridge too?

9/2/2021 5:59:49 PM

Gregory Jameson said...

Im not sure how you arrived at the idea that the Riverfront Trail is "virtually unused by bicycles". I would have to disagree. I live in the Northland but frequently ride from Riverside, through Fairfax to Kaw Point and then take the bridge/trail in to the West Bottoms to stop for coffee or something to eat. I also know of many group rides that use the trail and bridge as part of their route. Instead of spending a large sum of money on a gondola project, consider using even a small portion of that for upkeep and maintenance on the existing trail and bridge. Add more lighting, keep trash picked up, etc.

9/2/2021 6:45:44 PM

Gregory Jameson said...

9/2/2021 6:45:58 PM

Megan Sawyer said...

A gondola is appropriate for a theme park or ski hill--and would be a foolish waste of time and money here. Use the $$$ to improve and expand the Riverfront Trail for pedestrian/bike use. There might even be $ leftover for sidewalk improvements elsewhere in the city--a faster and cgeaper solution to making our area more pedestrian friendly. Look up the history of the Detroit people mover if you need an example of how poorly the Flashy Fun Ride method of transit works out.

9/3/2021 8:52:06 AM

Michael Wiebe said...

The community, city, and tax base would be much better served by $50 million invested in bike and pedestrian infrastructure including converting existing car lanes to bike and pedestrian use.

9/3/2021 3:24:58 PM

Kirk Rastorfer said...

How long will it take for a 50 million dollar Gondola to become "virtually unused"?

9/3/2021 3:37:05 PM

GP said...

I ride this often and have always seen others while using it. There are even weekly rides that regularly take this as their route. The money should be used to improve what we already have. I actually find it a bit hilarious that somehow it was agreed upon by multiple people that it was a good idea putting that much money into building…gondolas?! Sounds a bit like the premise of a simpsons episode.

9/3/2021 9:38:50 PM

Melissa Klukvin said...

I ride my bicycle and walk the River Front Heritage Trail over the river to KCK several times a year. While I think a gondola might become a tourist attraction, I think $50m could be much better spent on improving infrastructure that is already existing, keeping trails clean, better signage, smoother access to the trail, and connectors to River Market area portion of Riverfront Heritage. Then the trail itself could be a destination and zero carbon footprint.

9/4/2021 8:59:43 AM

maura coleman said...

this seems very excessive. I personally ride my bike across this bridge on group rides at least 2xs a week! Use the money to clean it up and make it nicer - or add a bus to move people. The least that should be done is to track the ACTUAL traffic. this statement is WRONG. "While the Riverfront Heritage Trail does provide this link, it is neither a welcoming nor safe pathway for pedestrians, and it is virtually unused by bicycles" It might not be welcoming - so please just use that money to spruce it up!

9/4/2021 12:31:51 PM

Nicoya Helm said...

I strongly oppose this project for two main reasons: 1. It is based on insufficient and inaccurate data. One example: I am yet another rider (see previous comments and Strava heat map here: https://www.strava.com/heatmap#14.33/-94.61574/39.11708/hot/ride ) who rides the Riverfront Heritage Trail from downtown KCMO to KCK buy groceries from the Merc, which is an example of a functional trip that actively supports a KCK business. ANother example - this Strava heat map shows clearly that the bike/ped bridge between KCMO and KCK is one of the "hottest" routes in the metro https://www.strava.com/heatmap#14.33/-94.61574/39.11708/hot/ride 2. This money could go much, much further to increase and improve multi-modal transit services throughout the county. Some examples include improving and expanding bus services (Id take the bus to Childrens Mercy/Monarchs games - but the 101 doesnt run late enough!), sidewalks, and multi-modal transit lanes (bike, scoot, wheelchair, etc).

9/8/2021 7:05:44 PM

Jason Beury said...

Sometimes the best ideas are the most polarizing... Many of the responses here reflect how deeply entrained we are in private vehicle dependence and concessionary cycling and pedestrian trail networks built for recreation (not commuting). So much so, it seems that it is difficult for us to consider the radical alternatives that would actually be necessary to make public transit a reality in the KC Metro, like this one does. I can say this is site-appropriate and very attractive vision to share for a future Kansas City with Gondolas crisscrossing the streetcar route to the east to west; watching the sunset over the bluffs during an evening commute (in any direction), and not having to worry about where I parked or what traffic is going to be like... Im a little confused as to why this Gondola proposal doesnt show a connection to the KC Streetcar Route, which seems it would be vital to achieve the ridership necessary to link the cities together. Even so, the $50M price tag everyone is so shocked about is really a just a drop in the barrel compared to most auto-centric "transportation" projects that are taking place around the metro on a daily basis... BE BOLD KC!!!

9/16/2021 3:56:39 PM

Jason Beury said...

9/16/2021 3:57:05 PM

Paul Toigo said...

Please withdraw this project proposal. I and many other cyclists make our way from KCMO to KCK and back on the existing bike-ped bridge across the KS river under the Lewis and Clark Viaduct. Stravas Heat Map shows how popular this route is with cyclists. https://www.strava.com/heatmap#14.00/-94.60543/39.11463/hot/all

9/18/2021 5:25:00 PM

Christy Ubelaker said...

The current pedestrian bridge (Riverfront Heritage Trail) is utilized constantly by pedestrians and bicyclists. I am a hiker and biker and see multiple folks every time I am there. gondola and it’s expense seems frivolous when we do not have adequate crosswalks and signage, we need more bike lanes and a system of keeping those maintained and adequate lighting on that pedestrian bridge. This gondola project is straight up cuckcoo

9/20/2021 6:10:42 AM

Authorized User said...

Who dreams these wild schemes up? Clearly, a bigger waste of money than the trolley.

9/21/2021 6:48:47 PM

Kansas resident said...

I agree with other cyclists here and take issue with the misrepresentation of how often the Riverfront Heritage Trail is used. Its a great conduit to get around and is constantly used by cyclists and pedestrians alike. Again, please refer to the heat map that others have posted. Having said that, please redirect some of the funds from this proposal and clean up the bridge and ramps. There is a lot of broken glass and trash, and that does not add to the ambiance. Make it better for the frequent users. A concern I have about the gondola proposal is safety. How long would the ride be from one downtown to the other? Would a single person in a car feel safe? Will there be security at each terminus or in the cars themselves? Would the system run 24/7? Please consider all the comments from the public both online and in-person before allocating the funds for this project.

9/22/2021 12:57:01 PM

Paul Oltmanns said...

I use the current bridge often on my bike, and almost always pass a cyclist on it. 50 mil for a a gondola? No thanks, use our money properly elsewhere!

9/23/2021 12:32:26 PM


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