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KC Streetcar Expansion Strengthens Access to City’s Growing Riverfront

The project adds 0.7 miles of track to the existing KC Streetcar line, connecting north from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park.

May 19, 2026
KC Streetcar Riverfront extension with graffiti wall

The Riverfront Extension is the second of the streetcar lines in Kansas City to open in the past seven months.

Credit:

HDR

2 min to read


  • The KC Streetcar expansion adds 0.7 miles of track to its current route.
  • This extension connects the River Market area to Berkley Riverfront Park.
  • The project aims to improve accessibility to Kansas City's developing riverfront area.

*Summarized by AI

Kansas City celebrated the grand opening of its $62 million KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension.

The project adds 0.7 miles of track to the existing KC Streetcar line, connecting north from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park.

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Riverfront Extension

The Riverfront Extension is the second of the streetcar lines in Kansas City to open in the past seven months.

The newest extension will serve CPKC Stadium, home of the KC Current of the National Women's Soccer League, as well as the rapidly growing, walkable riverfront neighborhood, which includes a new pedestrian bridge, office, restaurant, retail, residential, and community spaces. The extension will also improve connectivity between the River Market and the riverfront, which are currently separated by railroad tracks.

Since launching in 2016, the KC Streetcar has become one of the most successful streetcar systems in the US, spurring billions of dollars in new investment and surpassing ridership projections, according to officials.

KC’s HDR Partnership

KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension

On the Riverfront Extension, HDR completed the final design, provided construction support, and helped with startup testing.

Credit:

HDR


HDR has worked closely with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, the KC Streetcar Authority, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Port KC, and community stakeholders on the Riverfront Extension, the initial Downtown Line streetcar, and the southern Main Street Extension, which opened in October 2025.

On the Riverfront Extension, HDR completed the final design, provided construction support, and helped with startup testing.

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“The Kansas City Streetcar system has been transformative for the city and its residents,” said HDR Project Manager James Rice. “As a downtown resident, I’ve witnessed how widely it’s used for everyday trips, from dining out to running errands. The Riverfront Extension will expand that convenience, connecting people to soccer games, walks in the park, and to their homes along the riverfront.”

Quick Answers

The expansion strengthens access to the city's growing riverfront by adding new streetcar tracks.

*Summarized by AI

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