pash wrote:If a new bridge is on the table, I think there are two good options. The first is to build a bridge from Grand at Berkley Park connecting directly with Swift Ave. Alternatively, build a bridge from the end of Delaware or Main in the River Market directly across to Harlem, connecting with Harlem Rd.
The first is the better option for hooking into North Kansas City, and the second is better for hooking into KC. Neither really makes sense without a plan to develop the riverfront, whether in Harlem or in the East Bottoms. (I can't believe that there is still absolutely nothing, not even a batshit-crazy gondolas-and-unicorns plan, envisioned for Kansas City's waterfront.)
That said, whatever the options, I don't see the point of building a transit/bike/walk-only bridge across the river, unless it's much cheaper. And it wouldn't be if it's carrying a streetcar. You might as well put in a lane in each direction for cars and tie the two sides of the river together more closely for everybody (including drivers). That's needed, streetcar or no. (Is it realistic to expect a no-cars bridge anyway?) Just do it in a way that makes it feel like a local street, not a highway. Give precedence (and lots of space) to transit and bikers/walkers, sure, but two lanes for cars won't hurt anything (or even be used if the bridge is connecting undeveloped wastelands).
neither of these ideas really work, they fail because they don't think in 3D
there's doubtless minimum height requirements at the river since it's used for commerce. I'd like to know what they are but I bet it's a good 80-90 foot requirement. (remember you need clearance when there's a flood) to keep to the grade that means approaches of a minimum distance for each idea and you have minimum clearance for everything it passes over
right at swift it works because if one can keep to grade and clear the rail yard
the other approach the streetcar could do like the Huey P Long Bridge at New Orleans with a viaduct to keep to grade but a car connection from the park would be much steeper and just cut the park in half.
for the other spot
the delaware end would break the grid right there and it's the last connection to 1st st. I bet the railroad would have issue with cutting off their access
at harlem the connection would be past harlem in the middle of the rail yard, since you have to be far enough above the levee to let any vehicle go underneath unless it's a sharp curving approach
I also don't see the point to this bridge, if it's going to get to Delaware why not connect to the top level of the Hannibal bridge? It lines up much better at the northern end
neither seems like it's better than using an existing bridge