Project Profile: Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension

The Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension is a 5.8-kilometer light rail transit project designed to enhance urban mobility and connect the city’s primary economic and cultural hubs. This profile details the technical specifications, key contractors, and strategic impact of extending the line south from Union Station to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), a critical upgrade to the region’s public transportation infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

The Main Street Extension follows an at-grade alignment, running primarily in mixed traffic along the central median of Main Street. The 5.8-kilometer route originates at the existing Union Station stop and terminates near the University of Missouri-Kansas City, integrating key districts including Midtown, Westport, the Museum District, and the Country Club Plaza. The project includes the construction of nine new station platforms, designed for level boarding and full ADA compliance.

To support the expanded service, the project’s scope included the procurement of six new modern, low-floor streetcar vehicles. These vehicles will augment the existing fleet, enabling the KC Streetcar Authority to maintain a planned operational headway of 10 minutes during weekday peak hours and 12 minutes on weekends. Significant civil works were required, including comprehensive utility relocation, traffic signal prioritization system installation, and upgrades to intersections and sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility along the corridor.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Urban Connectivity: The extension forges a vital north-south transit spine, directly linking the Central Business District with major southern employment centers, educational institutions (UMKC), and high-density residential and commercial areas for the first time via light rail.
• Economic Development Catalyst: This infrastructure investment is a key driver for transit-oriented development (TOD), projected to increase property values, attract new business investment, and boost economic activity in the Midtown and Plaza districts.
• Integrated Transit Network: The project is designed to function as a core component of the regional transit system, facilitating seamless transfers with Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) bus routes and forming the foundation for future network expansions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension open?

Passenger service is anticipated to commence in early-to-mid 2026. This follows the completion of the current final systems integration testing and operator training phase, which is scheduled to conclude in late 2025, ensuring all safety and operational certifications are met.

Who is building the KC Streetcar extension?

The construction is managed by KC Streetcar Constructors, a joint venture between industry leaders Herzog Contracting and Stacy and Witbeck. The lead design and engineering services are provided by a team led by HDR Engineering, operating in close partnership with the KC Streetcar Authority (KCSA) and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA).