Support/Donate - Rock Island Bridge

The Rock Island Bridge, which was built in 1905 to shuttle cattle cars across the Kansas River in the historic KC Stockyards District, has sat abandoned and unnoticed since 1980. Now it’s being reinvented as the world’s first trailhead and entertainment district on a bridge. Under construction now — it’s also a proof-of-concept for how to save our abandoned railroad bridges across America!

The Perfect Collectible or Gift

Now you can own a slice of this history. A limited-edition, solid-steel rail slice freshly cut from the tracks of the historic Rock Island Railroad Bridge is the perfect collectible or gift.

The Rock Island Bridge, a True Slice of History

Built by the American Bridge Company – a U.S. Steel Company, part of JP Morgan's engineered merger which included Carnegie Steel Company
Many rails had a stamp of origin, dating from 1903 to 1927

Proceeds go toward lighting up this majestic structure for generations to come.

Spike Club ($50)

There is no such thing as Spike Club. But for $50 you can get an authentic railroad spike and a fuzzy warm feeling because you helped make it happen!
Four tickets to a supporters-only, sneak peek tour this autumn.

Individual Level: The Trail Maker ($150)

A limited-edition solid steel rail slice cut from the tracks of the historic, 1905 Rock Island Railroad Bridge.
Four tickets to a supporters-only, sneak peek tour this autumn.

Family Level: The River Keeper ($2,500)

Legacy Plaque: Memorialize your family name or corporation on the steel Bridge Builders plaque permanently affixed to the bridge.
Founders Supper on the Bridge: Four tickets to the sneak peek dinner and entertainment this fall.
Founders Reunion: Four tickets to a special event on the bridge the first year we’re open.
A limited-edition solid steel rail slice cut from the tracks of the historic, 1905 Rock Island Railroad Bridge.
Have a family reunion or private event coming up? Upgrade to the Corporate package to prebook the top deck event space.

Corporate Level: The Bridge Builder ($10,000)

Priority Booking of the Top Deck Event Space: Pre-book the space for a corporate event or charity fundraiser. (300 max/capacity)
Legacy Plaque: Memorialize your corporation or family on the steel Bridge Builders plaque permanently affixed to the bridge.
Founders Supper on the Bridge: Four tickets to the sneak peek dinner and entertainment on the bridge this fall honoring our major supporters and civic leaders.
Founders Reunion: Four tickets to a special event on the bridge the first year we’re open.
A limited-edition solid steel rail slice cut from the tracks of the historic, 1905 Rock Island Railroad Bridge.

It’s a Barn Raising!

We are Flying Truss LLC, the KC startup that first thought of treating a bridge over a river like it was land.

Infrastructure reuse projects like the Rock Island Bridge, Chicago’s Navy Pier, and the NYC High Line can deliver big wins for everyone involved and even transform entire areas – like the Kansas Waterfront. But they can be a heavy lift to get started.

This is why KCK first invited our firm to link arms with the public sector, and why local philanthropists, KC companies, and the state of Kansas have since joined the effort — to achieve what none could achieve alone: a world-first, right here in Kansas City.

We are raising the bridge and have secured some 80% of the funds needed for the public crossing, trailhead services, and commercial services on this KCK-owned bridge.

Now we’re opening participation to you with this crowdsourcing campaign.

You can come in at whatever level fits your interest and capacity; and we’ll thank you with experiences, unique mementos, future savings, and an opportunity to leave your family’s mark on Kansas City for generations to come.

Let’s light it up!

The Fine Print

Light the Bridge funds are allocated for lighting the bridge.

These monies are NOT tax deductible.

Rail slices and spikes will be available for pickup at the fall event. For orders outside of Kansas and Missouri, rail slices will be mailed. We are unable to ship internationally or to APO or FPO addresses.

Once the completion date of top deck event space is finalized, the Bridge Builder-Level donors will be given priority booking of the event space. We expect this space to be in high-demand based on the inquiries we are receiving.

Target completion for the Rock Island Bridge is summer 2024, but supply chain issues and adjacent construction could delay this.