January 2010
Collaboration and Connection
Building on the ASB Bridge Legacy
Originally designed in 1909 by civil engineer John Alexander Low Waddell as an ingenious way to accommodate rail, auto, streetcar, wagon, and pedestrian traffic, the Armour-Swift-Burlington (ASB) Bridge is one of only two, vertical-lift, through-truss bridges in the world. Unique because of its lift span and configuration, Waddell's design includes a lower railroad deck constructed as low as possible over the Missouri River, and an upper deck for auto traffic. To accommodate riverboats, the lower deck could be raised without disturbing the flow of auto traffic. In addition, streetcar rails for electric interurban cars were in place on the upper deck from 1913 to 1948.
ASB Bridge, Kansas City, MO
Historic American Engineering Record.
1981
Building on Waddell's engineering legacy, Taliaferro & Browne is proud to have been an integral part of the Kansas City Port Authority's recent ASB Underpass project. By the end of next month, pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to get up close to both the Missouri River and the historic ASB bridge thanks to this project.
The history of the ASB Bridge is one of collaboration and connection. The original design and construction was funded by a collaboration of the Armour Packing Company, Swift and Company, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad to connect residents of Willard E. Winner's Northland development to Kansas City's Westport Landing. With the opening of the ASB Bridge on December 28, 1911, the incorporation of the Town of North Kansas City on November 4, 1912, and the addition of streetcar lines across the bridge in January 1913, this connection became reality for all area residents and launched the northern growth of today's Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
ASB Bridge, Kansas City, MO
Photo by: Melissa Langley, 2009
Nearly 75 years later, another collaboration - that of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department and the Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) Railroad - resulted in a transition of the ASB Bridge to rail-only traffic and the building of a new auto bridge to the east - the Heart of America Bridge. For the BNSF railroad, ASB remains a vital connection across the Missouri River.
ASB Underpass Concept, Kansas City, MO
Rendering by: el dorado, inc
This summer, construction began on another vital connection - both from a transportation and an historical perspective - for area residents. The ASB Underpass connects the Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park with the Riverfront West/River Market Area. Cyclists and pedestrians will enjoy a meandering, safe trail constructed directly into the riverbank that affords ways to experience the evolving riverfront ecosystem and access over 10 miles of scenic and recreational opportunities. Thanks to the collaboration of the Port Authority of Kansas City, the City of Kansas City, Ameristar Casino, BNIM Architects, and Taliaferro & Browne - civil / structural engineering, surveying, and landscape architecture, this $3 million project will continue the connection between KC residents, the Missouri River, and the historic ASB Bridge.