Last week, Kansas City welcomed the first-ever streetcar to arrive at its Riverfront area.
The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension allowed the streetcar to roll onto newly constructed tracks leading from the River Market to the Riverfront, stopping at the newly built Riverfront Streetcar Stop last Wednesday 17 December.
This marks the first time the system has officially been put into use, and the first time a streetcar has ever reached Kansas City’s riverfront.
Tom Gerend, Executive Director, KC Streetcar Authority, said:After years of planning, design, and construction we’re thrilled to see the first streetcar reach the riverfront.
We are one step closer to realising our vision of a connected and vibrant riverfront that will serve all of Kansas City for decades to come.
Before the event, construction crews conducted a number of ‘dead wire’ tests with a specially built clearance cart, which was designed by the Riverfront Extension construction team.
The clearance cart was used to verify that the streetcar is capable of driving safely on tracks and pass surrounding and adjacent structures, as well as existing track elements.
Testing is now set to continue over the coming months, with the current phase, referred to as Systems Integrated Testing (SIT), expected to continue into early 2026.
The following phase, Pre-Revenue Operations (PRO), will focus on operator training, safety drills, and real-world service simulations.
During all test phases, vehicular and pedestrian traffic may experience minor delays, with the possibility of a closure of Grand Boulevard between 3rd Street and the Riverfront also not ruled out.
Crews will also complete work on a number of finishing touches during testing, including:
- Installing communications, train signals, and traffic signals
- Completing shelters and station stops
- Restoring sidewalks and curbs in Berkley Riverfront
- Final concrete and cleanup of the new two-way cycle track
- Clearing laydown yards at Berkley Riverfront, 3rd Street, and Grand Boulevard
Currently, the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension remains on schedule, and will open in early 2026. The 0.7-mile extension aims to connect riders from UMKC to the heart of Berkley Riverfront.
