KC Streetcar to open extension next month

KC Streetcar plans to officially open the Riverfront Extension on May 18. 

The $62 million, 0.7-mile streetcar extension marks a milestone in the continued investment in transit, connectivity and riverfront revitalization in Kansas City, Missouri, KC Streetcar officials said in a press release. 

The extension includes more than 8,300 feet of new track, 76 new overhead catenary system poles ranging from 28 feet to 54 feet high, about 12,000 feet of overhead catenary system wire and one new traction power substation. 

The extension connects the existing 5.7-mile streetcar route to Kansas City’s riverfront. Riders can seamlessly connect from the University of Missouri-Kansas City on the southern end to the riverfront on the northern end, KC Streetcar officials said. 
 
“We are reconnecting our riverfront for the next generation” said Tom Gerend, the executive director of the KC Streetcar Authority. 

The extension currently is in the pre-revenue operations phase, which includes system testing and training of streetcar operations staff.