Categories: Events/What's HappeningKansas City, KSMission, KSNews

Kansas City Streetcar Testing Resumes on Main Street

Kansas City streetcar traveling on Main Street with local shops in the background.

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News Summary

Kansas City is abuzz as streetcar crews continue testing on the newly extended Main Street tracks for the first time since 1957. This week’s focus has been on the traction power of the streetcars, with further tests scheduled to ensure safety and performance. Local businesses are eagerly anticipating the boost in foot traffic that the streetcar will bring, marking a new chapter for the area. With a significant investment of $351 million, the project aims for completion by the end of 2024, with streetcar service expected to launch in 2025.

Exciting Progress in Kansas City Streetcar Testing on Main Street Extension

Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as streetcar crews ramp up their testing efforts! On Tuesday, testing continued along the newly extended Main Street tracks, bringing the streetcars back to this vibrant area for the first time since 1957. What an electrifying moment for both locals and businesses!

Testing in Full Swing

The focus of this week’s tests was primarily on evaluating the traction power of the streetcars. Now, before you delve into the technical jargon, let’s break it down. Traction power is all about how these hefty vehicles grip the tracks and keep moving smoothly. To perform these crucial checks, nearly 23,000 pounds of sand and water were used, ensuring the streetcars can handle everything the city throws their way.

But the excitement doesn’t stop here! More testing is scheduled for Wednesday to ensure everything is running smoothly and safely. However, it’s worth noting that all this activity might lead to slight travel delays along Main Street, especially between 37th Street and Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard. A traffic alert has been issued, so keep an eye out for potential delays as these sleek streetcars glide through the intersections.

Keep Your Eyes on Main Street

With nearly three years of hard work coming to fruition, local businesses are already feeling the positive vibes from the streetcar’s presence. Eager establishments like Swift’s Cajun Cuisine and Crisp Cuts and Styles are expressing their optimism about the boost in foot traffic that the streetcar could bring. Although construction posed its fair share of challenges—think traffic jams and tough parking situations—many are hopeful that the streetcar will usher in a new era of business opportunity.

It’s no small feat either! The entire 3.5-mile extension project has come with a price tag of around $351 million. That’s quite the investment, but the rewards are sure to be worth it. In the coming weeks, testing will continue with a variety of checks, including speed tests and ride quality evaluations, all while ensuring that the infrastructure is fully integrated. Streetcar operators will need ample practice so they’re fully ready to hit the tracks with passengers later this year.

Temporary Service Suspension on the Horizon

Mark your calendars! Starting September 30, the Kansas City Streetcar will temporarily suspend service for about four weeks. This break in service is vital for connecting the new Main Street extension to the existing downtown route. During this suspension, free “Streetcar Link” buses will provide transportation along the streetcar route, making sure you’re not left in the lurch.

It’s also important to note that as construction progresses, some traffic adjustments are on the way. From September 23, northbound Main Street will be closed between Pershing Road and 20th Street, so plan accordingly to avoid any unwelcome roadblocks.

The Road Ahead

While this flurry of activity has folks feeling excited, the goal is clear—completing the major construction by the end of 2024, which will pave the way for city-wide streetcar service set to launch in 2025 after all the necessary testing is thoroughly completed.

So, Kansas City, keep your spirits high! The streetcars are on their way to transforming our streets, making travel a whole lot easier and more enjoyable while supporting our local businesses in the process. The future looks bright for Kansas City’s Main Street!