The proposed project constructs a new bridge across the Missouri River, west of the existing Buck O’Neil bridge, and makes improvements along US-169, north of the river between MO-9 and the new bridge including access improvements to the Kansas City Downtown Airport (MKC, airport). Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2021 and conclude in 2024.
The USACE reviewed this request according to the provisions of Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 408). The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) published a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) dated May 2020 to make improvements to the U.S. Highway (US) 169 corridor from Missouri Highway (MO) 9 to Interstate 35 including the Buck O’Neil Bridge crossing over the Missouri River. On May 15, 2020, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed project. The USACE followed guidance under the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations to allow for a Federal agency to adopt another agency’s environmental assessment (40 CFR § 1506.3). This public notice is for the USACE review and adoption of the Final EA.
This pubic notice initiates a 15 day public review and comment period, starting March 15, 2021 and ending March 30, 2021. The Final EA and supporting documents can be found here: www.modot.org/buck-oneil-bridge-project