Kansas City Prepares for Major Streetcar Expansion to University of Missouri – Kansas City

Kansas City Gears Up for Exciting Streetcar Expansion

Hey there, Kansas City! Exciting times are ahead as the Kansas City Streetcar is about to launch a significant expansion that will stretch the line further south from Union Station all the way to the University of Missouri – Kansas City. That’s right, folks! Soon, you’ll be able to hop on the streetcar and take a scenic ride right to the university.

What’s Going Down?

However, before we can enjoy this new route, there’s going to be a little bit of necessary disruption. Starting on September 30, 2024, the current streetcar service between Union Station and the River Market will be temporarily suspended for about four weeks. This pause is essential to ensure that the new extension can be integrated into the existing lines smoothly.

A spokesperson for the KC Streetcar mentioned they’ll be ramping up efforts by deploying workers for 24-hour shifts throughout the day and on weekends. Now, that’s some serious dedication to completing the project on time!

A Free Bus Service Option

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “How am I going to get around while the streetcar isn’t running?” Worry not! The KC Streetcar plans to roll out a complimentary “Streetcar Link” bus service along the existing downtown route during the streetcar’s usual operating hours. This convenient bus will make stops at the regular streetcar stops, and you can expect it to run every 15 to 20 minutes. So, you can still cruise around downtown without breaking a sweat.

Road Changes Coming Up

For those of you who drive in the area, it’s essential to stay informed as well. The construction effort will also impact local vehicle traffic. The northbound lanes of Main Street will be closed between Pershing Road and 20th Street starting from September 23. While this might cause some commotion, the southbound lanes will remain open, so you’ll still have some routes available to navigate the area.

Stay Updated!

If you’re curious about the progress or want more inside info about what’s happening during the construction period, feel free to check out the KC Streetcar website. They’re keeping it real and making sure everyone is in the loop about the changes coming our way.

Wrapping Up

It’s an exciting time for public transportation in Kansas City as we look forward to this new expansion of the streetcar line. While it may be a bit inconvenient for a short while, the benefits of improved connectivity and convenience will be well worth it. So gear up, Kansas City, and prepare to catch the streetcar to the university soon! Happy riding!