It’s More than Track!
In mid-June, KC Streetcar Constructors (KCSC) celebrated installing 50% of the track needed for the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project. Although streetcar track is one of the most visible components of the project, it’s more than just track work! This blog post highlights the other various and important features of the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension.
Overhead shot of the VMF showing a new warehouse, updated annex, and the build out of Bay 4.
Vehicle Maintenance Facility Upgrades and Additions
The Kite E. Singleton Maintenance Yard, also known as the Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF), is undergoing a significant expansion to accommodate the growing streetcar line. The VMF expansion, scheduled to be completed in 2024, will accommodate an expanded streetcar fleet, operational and maintenance growth, and involves several parts. In addition to the track, the VMF expansion includes:
A new, double-length maintenance bay for the streetcars (also known as Bay 4).
A new warehouse building for storing parts and equipment.
Improvements to the annex building to include an expanded operations center and small parts storage.
Improvements to the administrative and operational space.
Learn more about this work in our blog here.
A picture of the first OCS pole that was installed near 27th Street and Main Street.
Traction Power Substation (TPSS)
Traction Power Substations (TPSS) provide electricity to power the streetcars. Each TPSS is connected to various underground vaults that allow electricity to flow throughout the streetcar route. Five TPSS sites will be constructed for the Main Street Extension. You can learn more about TPSS sites in our blog here.
Overhead Catenary System (OCS)
Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles transfer power to each streetcar. These poles distribute power supplies from the TPSS sites to the streetcar vehicles. A total of 353 OCS poles will be constructed for the Main Street Extension, 344 will be located along the Main Street Extension and the remaining at the Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF). Learn more about OCS poles in our blog here.
Pedestrian Upgrades
While building the streetcar, KCSC is upgrading deteriorating sidewalks, adding ADA ramps to the corners of intersections, installing new curbs, adding curb bump-outs at certain locations, and installing new crosswalks in major intersections.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) & Trees
Two green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) sites will be constructed during this work. These sites will be located at 1) the corner of Memorial Drive and Main Street and 2) at the future KC Streetcar Annex located at 38th Street and Baltimore Avenue. Construction is anticipated to begin on GSI site #1 late summer 2023.
Along with the GSI sites, this project includes planting over 100 trees along the Main Street Extension. This work will be completed toward the end of the project.
Part of a reinforced concrete box that was installed between 36th Street and 37th Street for stormwater management.
Stormwater Management
It’s important to ensure infrastructure is installed to eliminate any concerns of flooding on the streetcar tracks. The drainage system not only protects the streetcar system on the Main Street Extension, but also protects other properties around the track from stormwater runoff. Stormwater management elements being installed along Main Street include:
Track drains
Stormwater inlets
Stormwater box (reinforced concrete box)
Learn more about stormwater management on this project in our blog here.
A current system map of the KC Streetcar, updated April 2023.
Station Stops
Fifteen new station stops will extend along the Main Street Extension corridor. Work is currently underway building station stops along the corridor. These stops are located at:
Pershing Road and Main Street (Northbound Union Station stop)
27th Street and Main Street (Northbound World War I Museum/Memorial stop)
27th Street and Main Street (Southbound World War I Museum/Memorial stop)
31st Street and Main Street (Northbound Union Hill stop)
31st Street and Main Street (Southbound Union Hill stop)
Armour Road and Main Street (Northbound Armour stop)
Armour Road and Main Street (Southbound Armour stop)
39th Street and Main Street (Northbound Westport stop)
39th Street and Main Street (Southbound Westport stop)
43rd Street and Main Street (Northbound Southmoreland stop)
43rd Street and Main Street (Southbound Southmoreland stop)
45th Street and Main Street (Northbound Art Museums stop)
45th Street and Main Street (Southbound Art Museums stop)
Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and Brookside Boulevard (Plaza Transit Center for northbound and southbound passengers)
51st Street and Brookside Boulevard (UMKC for northbound and southbound passengers)
Brush Creek Bridge Rehabilitation
The Brush Creek Bridge, located on Brookside Boulevard between Ward Parkway and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is undergoing rehabilitation as part of this project. Work is currently in progress and is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2023.
Overhead shot of the Trolley Track Trail under construction.
Trolley Track Trail Relocation
The Trolley Track Trail, between 51st Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, was relocated approximately 20 feet to the east to accommodate the track alignment. As part of the relocation, crews paved this section of the trail, built retaining walls to protect pedestrians from the future streetcar, and added fencing.
Traffic Signals
New traffic signals are being installed along Main Street as part of this project at signalized intersections to better integrate with the streetcar system. The project also includes the addition of 19 traffic signals that will give priority to the streetcar.
Utility Relocation and Upgrades
Utility companies have been upgrading and relocating their infrastructure since the start of KC Water’s work, Upgrades on Main in 2021. Utilities continue to relocate and upgrade in preparation for streetcar track installation.