KC Streetcar Making History

Testing of New Streetcar Tracks and Crossover Begins this Week

(August 19, 2024) – This week marks a major milestone for the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project as streetcars begin test runs south of Pershing Road.

This week marks a historic moment for Kansas City as several streetcars travel south of Pershing Road on Main Street for approximately 400 feet for the first rail testing since construction started on the Main Street Extension. The KC Streetcar team, along with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, the KC Streetcar Constructors, and project partners, are conducting tests on the new southbound rail connection and crossover at Pershing Road & Main Street, along with streetcar operations into the new Union Station Northbound stop.

“Testing the new southbound tracks and crossover marks a significant milestone in our Main Street Extension project and is a testament to great work by the entire team,” said Tom Gerend, Executive Director of the KC Streetcar Authority. “This is the first time streetcars have passed south of Pershing Road since 1957, making us one one step closer to reconnecting Kansas City for the next generation.”

Over the coming weeks, comprehensive testing of vehicles, tracks, and systems will take place at the Pershing Road and Main Street intersection, alongside operator and supervisor training on these new movements. These efforts are critical for the operational changes planned for the downtown route later this fall and the anticipated launch of the new route in 2025. Motorists and pedestrians are urged 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.

TEMPORARY SERVICE CHANGES
Beginning Monday, September 30, the downtown streetcar service will be temporarily suspended for approximately three weeks. The temporary streetcar service suspension is necessary in order to connect the existing downtown streetcar system to the northbound Main Street Extension tracks. Other work taking place during the service shut down include:
• Remove the existing crossover located north of Pershing Road
• Replace expansion joints on the Main Street Viaduct
• Construct track near the existing crossover north of Pershing Road

RIDE KC BUS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON MAIN STREET
While KC Streetcar service is temporarily suspended, there will be Ride KC buses running the streetcar route. These buses will stop at all streetcar stops and operate with regular streetcar hours. The service frequency will be 15-20- minutes. Main Street will remain open during this time as well.