This short section track would be completed by 1879.
Another mile in Kansas City would be constructed in 1880 by the Union Transit Company. This track extended the Union Depot Company tracks along the Missouri River.
This line was purchased by the Kansas City Belt Railway in 1884. At the same time, the Kansas City Belt Railway began construction on an additional 10 miles of track, which expanded the line along the Missouri River towards Big Blue Junction.
In 1906, the Kansas City Terminal Railway was formed to operate a series of terminals and yards for the respective railroads that entered Kansas City.
Another goal of the KCT was to build a new Union Depot; since the old one continued to flood. The following railroads jointly operated the KCT:
Alton Railroad
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad
Chicago Great Western Railway
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railway
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Kansas City Southern Railroad
Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad
Missouri Pacific Railroad
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway
Union Pacific Railroad
Wabash Railroad
In 1910, both the Union Depot Company and the Kansas City Belt Railway were purchased by the KCT to operate.
The first goal was to complete a new cutoff through Kansas City, including a new Union Depot. A cutoff from the south end of the KCT tracks to Big Blue Junction would be completed, with a Union Depot being constructed near Main Street.
The second goal was to build a large bridge across the Kansas River; which would be protected from flooding. A massive double deck bridge with long approach viaducts would be completed by 1916.
The railroad is one of the unchanged faces of Kansas City railroading; which is the second largest rail hub in the United States.
The long list of original owners has been reduced to only a few; which include BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern.
Presently, the railroad is operated by the Kaw River Railroad, which is owned by Watco Companies.
01/14/22
View an article regarding the construction of this bridge.
View an article regarding the construction of this bridge.
The largest and newest of all of the river crossings in Kansas City is the massive double decked bridge crossing the Kansas River.
Commonly known as the Highline Bridge; the structure connects to over a mile of elevated viaducts on either side of the river. However this webpage focuses on the the three main river spans.
The most unique factor is the double deck design of this bridge. The largest span is a massive 10-panel Baltimore Through Truss. On the east, it is approached by a 9-panel version of the same type. These spans contain a combination of pin connected and riveted connections.
In addition, another span approaches on the west. This span is a riveted, 6-panel Warren Through Truss (deck truss to upper tracks).
The entire bridge rests on concrete substructures. The bridge was built to hold four tracks. The upper tracks were specifically requested by the Missouri Pacific Railway; to replace heavy operations on their bridge.
The upper tracks connected to the Omaha line of the Missouri Pacific to the west. However, to the east it would connect to the dual mainlines across the state.
The tracks on the bottom were built specifically for the Kansas City Terminal Railway; and connect the various yards in Kansas to the Union Station.
The bridge has changed a bit since first built. A rehabilitation was done in 2005 to restore full service to the bridge.
In addition, the Kansas River has a reputation for flooding quite often. Fortunately for this bridge, it has survived every major flood largely intact. A screw jack lift system was installed after the mega flood of 1951; which destroyed bridges in Topeka.
The bridge is very difficult to access. It is hoped a new system of levee trails will be built and make access far easier.
The bridge is in great condition. This is likely due to the 2005 rehabilitation.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant due to the large span length and extremely unique design.
The photo above is an overview from the west bank.
| Main Spans | Highline Bridge Bridge | |
| Missouri Approaches | Highline Approach Viaduct #1 | Highline Approach Viaduct #3 |
| Kansas Approaches | Highline Approach Viaduct #2 | Highline Approach Viaduct #4 |
| Upstream | Highline Bridge |
| Downstream | UP Kansas River Bridge #2 |