Preparation and pre-construction activity is underway for Kansas City’s Downtown Streetcar starter line. The 2.2–mile north-south line will connect the River Market to Union Station/Crown Center and serve the Central Business District, the Power & Light District, and the Crossroads Arts District. With 16 station stops along Main Street, this modern streetcar will increase the transit options downtown and offer decreased wait times.
Parson & Associates is proud to be part of the KC Streetcar Constructors (KCSC) project team in charge of the construction management of the starter line. Meghan Jansen serves as the project’s Public Information Manager, which means she is the point of contact for all downtown stakeholders and is readily available to handle their questions and concerns during the construction phase. The KCSC project team established office space just off the Main Street streetcar line in the Corrigan Building at 1828 Walnut. This location is just east of one of the future streetcar stop at 19th and Main Street.
As part of the project’s community outreach strategy, the KCSC project team created an interactive, user-friendly KC Streetcar website, which provides up-to-the minute construction news and a block-by-block account of progress. Social media is also integral in getting out information. The KC Downtown Streetcar is on Facebook and Twitter, and is linked with other organizations like the City’s website, the Downtown Council and the Mid-America Regional Council. Those interested in staying up-to-date on construction activity can sign up to receive the weekly Weekly Construction Update e-newsletter or contact the project team at (816) 804-8882 or info@kcstreetcar.org.
Construction for the streetcar will ramp up later this spring, with the arrival of the track rail, water and sewer upgrades and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility site plan. This is truly an exciting time for Kansas City.