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Kansas City’s long-anticipated KC Streetcar Main Street Extension has officially entered its critical testing phase, marking a major milestone in the project’s journey toward passenger service. For the first time since 1957, streetcars will travel along Main Street through Midtown and to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).
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This extensive testing phase is essential to ensuring the safety, reliability, and readiness of the new streetcar route. Testing begins with clearance checks and progresses to fully integrating all new systems. This phase of testing will be followed by extensive operator training, covering every aspect of the streetcar’s operation on the new extension.
“This is an exciting milestone for Kansas City as we take another significant step toward extending the reach of our world-class streetcar system. The start of testing on the Main Street Extension is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many who have brought us to this point. Once complete, this expansion will connect more neighborhoods, provide even greater access to opportunities, and continue to position Kansas City as a leader in modern, sustainable transit. I look forward to the day when we welcome passengers to experience this incredible addition to our city,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas.
The integrated testing process began last week with clearance testing. Last week, a specially designed cart was used to replicate the streetcar’s “dynamic envelope,” ensuring sufficient clearances along the entire route, including platforms, overhead traffic signal mast arms, and nearby signage. With these verifications complete, streetcars can now be introduced to the route, operating under full electrical power to conduct comprehensive functional evaluations.
“This is an exciting chapter in Kansas City’s transit history,” said Tom Gerend, Executive Director of the KC Streetcar Authority. “This is one step closer to achieving Kansas City’s vision of connecting communities through equitable and efficient public transit,”
Over the coming months, comprehensive testing of vehicles, tracks, substations, and systems will take place along the extension. Key testing components include platform interface, train control system validation, train to wayside communication (TWC) interface, track switch operations, ride quality checks, speed tests, and more. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to exercise caution during this testing period. Pedestrians should use designated crosswalks, and motorists are advised to stay alert for changes in traffic control around the area. Additionally, motorists are advised not to park in the designated streetcar transit lanes or on the streetcar tracks. Anyone found parking in those areas will be ticketed and towed.
Timeline and Next Steps: The current phase, known as Systems Integrated Testing, will take several months to complete and will be followed by the Pre-Revenue, or Pre-Passenger, Operations phase. During this stage, streetcar operators will undergo extensive training and familiarization with the new route to prepare for passenger service later in 2025.
The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension is a 3.5-mile extension of the KC Streetcar System that will connect the current southern terminus at Union Station to the University of Missouri – Kansas City at 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard. The extension is fully funded with federal Capital Investment Grant funds and new local funding approved through the voter approved Transportation Development District.
Construction is being led by the KC Streetcar Constructors, a joint venture between Herzog Contracting Corp. and Stacy and Witbeck and supported by Burns & McDonnell and JE Dunn Construction. The project is overseen by the joint partnership of the City of Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO), the KC Streetcar Authority (KCSA) and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA).
Stay informed about the testing process and any potential impacts on traffic by visiting http://kcstreetcar.org or follow the KC Streetcar on all social media accounts.
For more information about the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension construction, please visit
http://buildkcstreetcar.com or email the KC Streetcar Constructors at info@buildkcstreetcar.com.