Progress continues on the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension, and we’re excited to share the next steps as we move closer to bringing streetcar service to the riverfront. Upcoming milestones include:
Station Shelter Installation
Three new streetcar station shelters will be installed in mid-June at Berkley Riverfront and on Grand Boulevard just north of 3rd Street. These shelters, part of the Riverfront Extension, will feature the familiar blue steel frames, acrylic canopy panels, upgraded lighting, and hardware consistent with those used on the Main Street Extension. Station stop markers, including Real-Time Arrival (RTA) signs, will be installed later.
Each standard shelter stands 8 feet tall and spans 15 feet wide, with the frame and roof weighing approximately 3,500 pounds. Constructed from steel and aluminum, the shelters include edge-lit glass panels, an acrylic roof, and a wood bench for seating. The shelters were fabricated by Decamil and will be installed by Kansas City-based Infinity Sign Systems.
Powering the System: Overhead Contact System (OCS) Wires
Installation of Overhead Contact System (OCS) brackets is now underway! The RS/Witec team has begun attaching brackets and arms to the poles. Once all components are in place, crews will begin stringing the overhead wires. The brackets and arms hold the wire in the correct position to make contact with the streetcars. The arms also provide stability for the wires against any large vibrations, wind, or other potential stresses. This system of wires will connect to the new Traction Power Substation (TPSS), which is tied into the local electrical grid through Evergy. One new TPSS was installed for this extension and it uses the OCS to deliver power directly to each streetcar, enabling safe and efficient operation.
Intersection Work at 2nd Street and Grand Boulevard
Significant upgrades are completed at the intersection of 2nd Street and Grand Boulevard. Crews installed new curbs, enhanced sidewalks to improve accessibility, and made permanent roadway improvements. These efforts build on the previously completed track switch installation and are designed to create a safer, more efficient intersection for all users.
Two-Way Cycle Track
Crews working on the Riverfront Extension are completing the new cycle track, a dedicated path exclusively for bicycle use, separated from both vehicle and streetcar traffic. The track runs along the east side of Grand Boulevard, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, connecting to bike lanes on 3rd Street, and will eventually connect to the new bicycle and pedestrian bridge. This separate bridge, currently under construction adjacent to the Grand Boulevard/Berkley Parkway Bridge, will provide a safe, dedicated route for walkers and cyclists. It is a standalone project managed by the City of Kansas City.
Final Landscaping
As construction nears completion, crews will begin final landscaping work along the riverfront. This will include planting new trees and grass, as well as completing hydroseeding in the Berkley Riverfront area—some of which has already been done–with additional work scheduled for the project’s final phase. The landscaping plan also includes the addition of tall fescue and Shenandoah switchgrass. Ballast rock (crushed stone) will be placed along certain curves for both aesthetic and functional purposes. A planter box will also be installed near the end of the riverfront extension to enhance the overall appearance of the area.
Testing and Pre-Revenue Operations
Like the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, the Riverfront Extension will undergo extensive testing to ensure all components of the system are functioning properly. The first phase will be Systems Integration Testing (SIT), a requirement of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), to verify that all systems work together as intended. Once SIT is successfully completed, the project will move into Pre-Revenue Operations (PRO). During this phase, the KC Streetcar Authority will conduct additional testing, including “loaded” tests to simulate full passenger capacity, level-boarding evaluations to ensure platform alignment, and a range of other operational checks to confirm system readiness.
As with all work on the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension, we appreciate your patience and support as construction moves forward. Stay tuned for more updates as construction continues and thank you for being part of this exciting transformation.