• Subscribe
  • Magazine
  • 40 Under 40
  • Supplier's Directory
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    1. Rail
    2. Infrastructure

    Progress continues on the KC Streetcar Main Street extension

    Sept. 17, 2019
    The project marked a major milestone with the submission of 30 percent design documents and a request to enter the Engineering Phase of the CIG New Start Program.
    Related To: Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KC Streetcar)

    The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project is making steady progress with the project team recently submitting 30 percent design documents to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and making a formal request to enter the Engineering Phase of the Federal Capital Improvements Grant (CIG) New Start Program.  

    “Our request to enter the Engineering Phase of the New Starts program represents a significant milestone on our journey to realize the Main Street Extension,” said Tom Gerend, executive director of the KC Streetcar Authority. “This request is the result of hard work behind the scenes from a team of committed partners and is real movement towards meeting the requirements of this competitive federal program.” 

    The project’s recent progress is the result of significant commitment from the project partners at the KC Streetcar Authority, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and the city of Kansas City, Mo., along with support from project technical experts.  

    Recent project accomplishments reflected in this request include: 

    - Completion of the required “Project Development” activities; 

    - Completion of 30 percent design of the overall project, including track alignment, systems and facility; 

    - Completion of the NEPA/environmental documentation; 

    - Completion of a detailed financial plan and demonstration of local financial commitment; and 

    - Selection of the final design team led by HDR. 

    “This project, which will serve as the spine of our regional transit system, will improve connections north, south, east and west, and no doubt spur increased ridership across our entire system,” said Robbie Makinen, President and CEO of KCATA. 

    Next steps for the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project include coordination of utility relocation, including water and sewer lines, advancing final design, and issuing proposals for streetcar vehicle procurement and construction general management, along with project public meetings and community outreach.