Kansas City Streetcar Temporarily Shuts Down Services for Expansion
Hey there, Kansas City! We’ve got some news that’s going to shake things up a bit around our beloved downtown area. As part of the exciting Main Street Extension project, the KC Streetcar will be pausing its services for about four weeks starting September 30. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with alternate transportation during this time!
What You Need to Know About the Shutdown
From September 30, all streetcar operations will be suspended as crews prep for the crucial infrastructure connections between the existing downtown route and the new extension. Although it’s a hassle for streetcar riders, it’s all for an important cause: connecting our streets better and making transit smoother for everyone.
But wait, don’t hit the panic button just yet! During this shutdown period, KC Streetcar will offer a temporary solution: buses marked “Streetcar Link.” These buses will follow the regular streetcar route and run at approximately 15 to 20-minute frequencies during the same hours as the streetcar, making sure that nobody is left stranded.
And here’s the best part: riding these buses will be totally free! They’ll be stopping right at all the regular streetcar stops, so you won’t have to stray far from your usual routine.
Traffic Updates: What to Expect on the Roads
If you’re driving in the area, you should also take note. Starting September 23, traffic on northbound Main Street will be temporarily closed between Pershing Road and 20th Street. Southbound Main Street, however, will remain open during the construction work. So, keep an eye on those detours and plan your routes accordingly!
Construction Around the Clock
To ensure timely completion, crews will be working 24/7 during this construction phase, including on weekends. So you may see a bit more activity in the area than usual. They’ll be making significant improvements to the infrastructure, which will help link the southern extension of the streetcar to the current route.
The Journey to a New Connection
Once the construction is complete, the next step is testing! The streetcars will conduct out-of-service runs to ensure everything is up to standard, including the new Pershing Road crossover and adjustments at the Union Station Northbound platform. It’s a vital step in making sure that once we’re back in action, everything runs smoothly and safely.
A Glimpse into the Future of Kansas City Transit
Just last month, KC Streetcar officials reported a significant milestone with the project as streetcars began test runs south of Pershing Road for the first time since 1957! This progress is a major leap forward in reconnecting Kansas City with its transit options and getting closer to unveiling the new route.
Once the construction wraps up, which is expected by the end of 2024, the new streetcar service will stretch along Main Street from Union Station all the way to the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus. Just imagine the convenience when it officially opens for service in 2025 after all that testing!
So, Kansas City, while there might be a bit of disruption in the upcoming weeks, it’s all paving the way for a better transit experience in our beautiful city. Hang tight, utilize those free buses, and let’s look forward to the future of our streetcar system together!
