KC Streetcar Constructors Keep People Moving and Businesses Open During Construction
Before the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project began, a commitment was made to those living, working, and playing throughout midtown that Main Street would not close due to construction, barring any emergencies. The KC Streetcar Constructors (KCSC) understand the importance of keeping the corridor accessible for both pedestrians and motorists and has prioritized this access along Main Street in a few ways.
Pedestrian Access
One way KCSC is helping to maintain access for Main Street businesses is by utilizing ADA accessible pedestrian bridges like the ones shown below. These temporary bridges serve as access points for the public to be able to safely navigate through construction zones and get to where they need to go. Pedestrian bridges can be found at major intersections where active construction work is happening.
Pedestrian bridges are installed to maintain crosswalks throughout construction. The image on the right was constructed at the intersection of Main Street and 27th Street. The image on the left was constructed at the intersection of Warwick Trafficway and Main Street.
Driveway Access
KCSC works hard to maintain driveway access to businesses either by phasing work or utilizing steel plates to keep driveways open. For example, crews will work on the south side of a driveway and restore that half or use a steel plate (see images below) and then flip traffic to work on the north drive – maintaining driveway access the entire time. Sometimes, crews may steel-plate the entire drive while work is occurring. This is done in close coordination with each individual stakeholder to ensure there is as little disruption as possible.
Steel plates are placed in front of driveways to maintain access throughout track construction. The image on the left was to keep Main Street access to Fairfield Inn & Suites, Buttonwood Financial and Raftelis Financial near E. 30th Street and Main Street. The image on the left maintained driveway access to Maturo + Associates, Museo and Ambrosi Bros. Cutlery.
Wayfinding Signage
It can be confusing to know where to turn or park during construction. KCSC makes sure to install way-finding signage for businesses and will even rope together traffic cones to make it clear where and how to access driveways. All businesses are open during construction, and we appreciate the coordination from businesses during this process! An example of wayfinding signage is shown below.
The sign in the above photo was posted at the Trolley Track Trail to show users how to navigate the trail closure, as well as informing what the trail, and surrounding area, will look like after construction.
Temporary Lane Markings for Easier Navigation
Finally, KCSC has taken steps to make it more straightforward to drive through construction on Main Street. To try to reduce the amount of traffic cones and to improve navigation, KCSC has temporarily striped lane markings in several areas of Main Street. An example of this temporary striping is pictured below.
Temporary pavement striping is installed on the east side of Main Street between Armour Boulevard and 31st Street for traffic. There is one lane for northbound traffic, one lane for southbound traffic and a center turn lane.
Navigating construction can be a headache – but the KCSC team is committed to making sure daily life can continue along Main Street throughout this project. We appreciate the public’s patience as we build towards an exciting future!
Are you having access issues? Contact the project team at 816-337-1013 or info@buildkcstreetcar.com.