Kansas City Streetcar project in the 'home-stretch'

Streetcar construction is on schedule to be completed in fall of 2015. The $102 million 2-mile system will then undergo a period of testing and is anticipated to be open to the public in 2016.

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May 13, 2015

Kansas City Streetcar project in the 'home-stretch'

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Construction of the Kansas City Streetcar remains on schedule and on budget, with all key construction activities at least 70% complete, according to officials.

"The project is really on the home-stretch," stated Meghan Jansen, public information
manager for KC Streetcar Constructors. "Most of the underground work will be completed
this month. That includes the upgrades to Kansas City's century-old water and sewer
lines."

As of May 1, 2015:
• 71% of track is fully constructed (15,430 feet complete out of 21,771 total feet)
• 96% of water and sewer replacements and upgrades is complete
• 77% of work on the Singleton Yard vehicle maintenance facility is complete
• More than 100 power poles are installed
• First streetcar stop is built at 16th and Main

Streetcar construction is on schedule to be completed in fall of 2015. The $102 million streetcar system will then undergo a period of testing and is anticipated to be open to the public in 2016.

The Downtown Kansas City, Missouri Streetcar project is a two-mile route running primarily along Main Street connecting Kansas City’s River Market area to Crown Center and Union Station. It will serve Union Station, the Cross Roads Art District, the Power and Light District, the city’s central business district, and the historic River Market along with numerous other businesses, restaurants, art galleries, educational facilities, and neighborhoods.

The starter line has 16 stops spaced every two blocks and includes the Singleton Yard Facility (Vehicle Maintenance Facility) located in Columbus Park. The City forecasts approximately 2,700 will use the streetcar daily once it opens. Riders will not pay a fare, which is intended to minimize dwell times and maximize economic benefits to riders. The Streetcar will travel in vehicle lanes along Main Street, which is now redesigned to accommodate the Streetcar and minimize delays. Construction has created hundreds of local jobs and spurred millions of dollars of development along the line.

(video of Kansas City Streetcar construction from two months ago)