Big Changes Ahead for Kansas City Streetcar with Main Street Extension Set to Open by 2025

Big Changes Ahead for Kansas City Streetcar!

All Aboard By 2025!

Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as the Main Street extension of the streetcar project inches closer to completion. With a stunning 36,785 feet of rail already laid, this new line will stretch from downtown through midtown, Westport, the Plaza, and all the way to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). However, before locals can hop on for a ride in 2025, there are still a few hurdles to clear, including ongoing construction that continues to impact traffic along Main Street.

What’s Done and What’s Next?

According to Tom Gerend, the executive director of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, we’re well on our way as construction is mostly complete. But it’s not time to celebrate just yet! There’s still plenty to do after the heavy lifting wraps up. Gerend points out, “We have a lot of work to do, to test and to commission the system, to train new staff and ensure that when we do open the doors for the public, we truly are ready to ride.”

There’s currently a maze of traffic cones and construction equipment still lining the future route. The 3.5-mile southern extension will more than double the length of the streetcar loop, creating an efficient and green way for residents to navigate the city.

Breaking Down the Streetcar Schedule

It’s essential for locals to be aware that while you might catch a glimpse of the streetcars rolling through midtown by early 2025, the public will have to wait a bit longer. Gerend has mentioned that after construction wraps up, there will be around six months of testing and training, meaning the actual public opening might occur later in the year.

Excitingly, the riverfront extension—linking the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park—is expected to debut in early 2026, further enhancing the connectivity of this vibrant city.

New Look, New Lanes

After this construction wraps up, drivers will notice that the days of five lanes for Main Street are gone forever. Instead, Midwestern drivers will have one lane in each direction, along with a turn lane in the center and streetcar lanes taking up the edges. These newly designated streetcar lanes will be clearly marked and separated by curbs or striping, keeping cars at bay. This smart redesign will ensure smooth flows both for commuters and the streetcar.

Upcoming Closures and Resurfacing Plans

If you felt the pinch from the streetcar’s three-week closure this past fall, brace yourself for another. The entire streetcar system is set to shut down for about nine days in early 2025, possibly starting in late January. During this time, crews will work tirelessly to connect the riverfront extension to the current electrical system while RideKC buses step in to help keep everyone moving.

Surface repairs for Main Street are also in the cards. From Pershing to Linwood, resurfacing is complete, with more on the way when the weather warms up in March or April. Road travel will still be possible, so it’s not all bad news for those commuting.

Security is Getting an Upgrade!

In a move to bolster safety along the extended streetcar line, the number of security guards has increased from three to four. The Kansas City Streetcar Authority has now entered into a contract with a private firm that will provide highly-trained security personnel, some of whom will even be armed. Gerend explained that these guards, known as streetcar ambassadors and security, come with a “higher degree of training and capability” to support operations throughout the expanded line.

Stay Informed!

As we continue to ride the wave of progress in Kansas City, locals are encouraged to keep their eyes and ears open for more information on upcoming events surrounding the streetcar project. If you have questions or concerns regarding further developments, don’t hesitate to reach out to the local Service Journalism team!

With all this exciting news ahead, let’s keep our fingers crossed and our schedules clear for our upcoming streetcar adventures!