2023 Review in Photos

2023 was another successful year for the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project. By the end of December 31, 2023, the project reached 67% complete. Below are key construction milestones accomplished in 2023:

• Crews spent more than 330,000 hours working on the Main Street Extension in 2023.

• More than 14,800 feet of track was installed along the corridor – bringing us to a project total of 68% of track installed.

• Crews completed more than 900 thermite and flash butt welds for the new track.

• 211 Overhead Catenary System (OCS) foundations were drilled and poured in preparation for the poles which help power the streetcar. 208 OCS poles were installed between Pershing Road and 49th Street and at the Vehicle Maintenance Facility.

• Crews constructed and completed systems integration testing for the KC Streetcar Vehicle Maintenance Bay 4. This was the first time a streetcar was brought into the new bay.

• Renovation of an existing building into the new KC Streetcar Operations Center and construction of a new equipment and parts warehouse.

• Crews constructed three Traction Power Substation sites – located near 31st Street, 38th Street, and near UMKC – in preparation of the power substations arriving in 2024.  

• Construction of nine streetcar stop platforms – bringing us to a project total of 66% of the streetcar stop platforms complete.

• Installation of pedestrian upgrades, including 51,200 square feet of sidewalks and crosswalks and 6,448 linear feet of curbs.                           

• Initial construction of green infrastructure near Memorial Drive and Main Street.

• Installation of the Westport Crossover, a special piece of track that crosses over the street that allows the streetcar to turn around at Westport Road.

• Initial restoration of the bridge over Brush Creek, including new sidewalks on the west side of the bridge.

KC Streetcar Main Street Extension

Rail Delivery

In January, over 34,000 feet of rail was delivered to the southern terminus, located at 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard. This is the remaining rail needed to complete the Main Street Extension!

Rail Delivery

In January, over 34,000 feet of rail was delivered to the southern terminus, located at 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard. This is the remaining rail needed to complete the Main Street Extension!

Rail Welding

Similar to the welding in 2022 after the first half of rail was delivered, crews used a technique called Electric Flash-Butt Welding, the ends of two sticks of rail are heated to approximately 2,800 degrees and then pressed together to create the weld. Throughout the process, multiple 400’ strings were created. By using this technique, crews are limiting the number of welds that have to take place in the field which maximizes schedule efficiency.

Rail Welding

Similar to the welding in 2022 after the first half of rail was delivered, crews used a technique called Electric Flash-Butt Welding, the ends of two sticks of rail are heated to approximately 2,800 degrees and then pressed together to create the weld. Throughout the process, multiple 400’ strings were created. By using this technique, crews are limiting the number of welds that have to take place in the field which maximizes schedule efficiency.

Project Tours

In 2023, the project team hosted a variety of tours for transportation professionals and student groups.

Project Tours

In 2023, the project team hosted a variety of tours for transportation professionals and student groups.

Project Tours

In 2023, the project team hosted a variety of tours for transportation professionals and student groups.

Brush Creek Bridge Work

In spring 2023, KCSC began improvements for the Brush Creek Bridge ahead of track construction. Crews started on the west side of the bridge before moving to the east side in late 2023.

Brush Creek Bridge Work

In spring 2023, KCSC began improvements for the Brush Creek Bridge ahead of track construction. Crews started on the west side of the bridge before moving to the east side in late 2023.

Brush Creek Bridge Work

In spring 2023, KCSC began improvements for the Brush Creek Bridge ahead of track construction. Crews started on the west side of the bridge before moving to the east side in late 2023.

Brush Creek Bridge Work

In spring 2023, KCSC began improvements for the Brush Creek Bridge ahead of track construction. Crews started on the west side of the bridge before moving to the east side in late 2023.

Platform Progress

By the end of 2023, 10 of the 15 new platforms were constructed. Learn more about the stages of a streetcar stop in our blog here!

Platform Progress

By the end of 2023, 10 of the 15 new platforms were constructed. Learn more about the stages of a streetcar stop in our blog here!

Platform Progress

By the end of 2023, 10 of the 15 new platforms were constructed. Learn more about the stages of a streetcar stop in our blog here!

Platform Progress

By the end of 2023, 10 of the 15 new platforms were constructed. Learn more about the stages of a streetcar stop in our blog here!

39th Street Closure

Crews worked 24/7 to build track and crosswalks through the east side of the 39th Street and Main Street intersection. This was a successful, coordinated effort to complete the work in a timely manner for a major intersection.

39th Street Closure

Crews worked 24/7 to build track and crosswalks through the east side of the 39th Street and Main Street intersection. This was a successful, coordinated effort to complete the work in a timely manner for a major intersection.

Platform Progress

By the end of 2023, 10 of the 15 new platforms were constructed. Learn more about the stages of a streetcar stop in our blog here!

OCS Poles

In summer 2023, KCSC crews began installing the first overhead catenary system (OCS) poles. Learn more about how these poles help to power the streetcar by clicking this image.

OCS Poles

In summer 2023, KCSC crews began installing the first overhead catenary system (OCS) poles. Learn more about how these poles help to power the streetcar by clicking this image.

School Coordination

KCSC coordinated with Foreign Language Academy and St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School to complete work over the summer months. This allowed for fewer impacts to students and their parents when the school year started in August.

School Coordination

KCSC coordinated with Foreign Language Academy and St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School to complete work over the summer months. This allowed for fewer impacts to students and their parents when the school year started in August.

School Coordiantion

KCSC coordinated with Foreign Language Academy and St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School to complete work over the summer months. This allowed for fewer impacts to students and their parents when the school year started in August.

TPSS Site Work & Electrical Work

Crews worked to install vaults underground for some of the future Traction Power Substation (TPSS) sites. Along with that, crews began initial site work for the TPSS locations.

TPSS Site Work & Electrical Work

Crews worked to install vaults underground for some of the future Traction Power Substation (TPSS) sites. Along with that, crews began initial site work for the TPSS locations.

TPSS Site Work & Electrical Work

Crews worked to install vaults underground for some of the future Traction Power Substation (TPSS) sites. Along with that, crews began initial site work for the TPSS locations.

TPSS Site Work & Electrical Work

Crews worked to install vaults underground for some of the future Traction Power Substation (TPSS) sites. Along with that, crews began initial site work for the TPSS locations.

TPSS Site Work & Electrical Work

Crews worked to install vaults underground for some of the future Traction Power Substation (TPSS) sites. Along with that, crews began initial site work for the TPSS locations.

Westport Crossover

KCSC crews worked to construct the Westport Crossover in multiple phases. This crossover will allow future streetcars to turn around in case of an emergency.

Westport Crossover

KCSC crews worked to construct the Westport Crossover in multiple phases. This crossover will allow future streetcars to turn around in case of an emergency.

Westport Crossover

KCSC crews worked to construct the Westport Crossover in multiple phases. This crossover will allow future streetcars to turn around in case of an emergency.

Westport Crossover

KCSC crews worked to construct the Westport Crossover in multiple phases. This crossover will allow future streetcars to turn around in case of an emergency.

Westport Crossover

KCSC crews worked to construct the Westport Crossover in multiple phases. This crossover will allow future streetcars to turn around in case of an emergency.

Westport Crossover

KCSC crews worked to construct the Westport Crossover in multiple phases. This crossover will allow future streetcars to turn around in case of an emergency.

39th Street Closure

Crews worked 24/7 to build track and crosswalks through the east side of the 39th Street and Main Street intersection. This was a successful, coordinated effort to complete the work in a timely manner for a major intersection.

Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF)

Rail Delivery

In January, 33 sticks of 115# T rail was delivered to the VMF. This was used to build out additional tracks to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet.

Rail Delivery

In January, 33 sticks of 115# T rail was delivered to the VMF. This was used to build out additional tracks to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet.

Steel Canopies

Crews built two steel canopies to create additional covered space for future maintenance of streetcars.

Steel Canopies

Crews built two steel canopies to create additional covered space for future maintenance of streetcars.

24/7 Track Tie-In

Crews worked 24/7 to tie-in new track to the existing system for the first time. This was a successful, coordinated effort between multiple teams. Learn more about this work by clicking on this image.

24/7 Track Tie-In

Crews worked 24/7 to tie-in new track to the existing system for the first time. This was a successful, coordinated effort between multiple teams. Learn more about this work by clicking on this image.

24/7 Track Tie-In

Crews worked 24/7 to tie-in new track to the existing system for the first time. This was a successful, coordinated effort between multiple teams. Learn more about this work by clicking on this image.

Bay 4 Construction

Bay 4 is a double-length maintenance bay. This will help to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet. Bay 4 was constructed from over 40 concrete panels, each weighing over 30,000 pounds!

Bay 4 Construction

Bay 4 is a double-length maintenance bay. This will help to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet. Bay 4 was constructed from over 40 concrete panels, each weighing over 30,000 pounds!

Bay 4 Construction

Bay 4 is a double-length maintenance bay. This will help to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet. Bay 4 was constructed from over 40 concrete panels, each weighing over 30,000 pounds!

Bay 4 Construction

Bay 4 is a double-length maintenance bay. This will help to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet. Bay 4 was constructed from over 40 concrete panels, each weighing over 30,000 pounds!

Bay 4 Construction

Bay 4 is a double-length maintenance bay. This will help to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet. Bay 4 was constructed from over 40 concrete panels, each weighing over 30,000 pounds!

Bay 4 Construction

Bay 4 is a double-length maintenance bay. This will help to accommodate the growing streetcar fleet. Bay 4 was constructed from over 40 concrete panels, each weighing over 30,000 pounds!

Building Track

The VMF had three additional tracks built including tracks 4, 5, and 6. This will allow cars to enter Bay 4 for maintenance and will provide additional room to store the streetcars.

Building Track

The VMF had three additional tracks built including tracks 4, 5, and 6. This will allow cars to enter Bay 4 for maintenance and will provide additional room to store the streetcars.

Building Track

The VMF had three additional tracks built including tracks 4, 5, and 6. This will allow cars to enter Bay 4 for maintenance and will provide additional room to store the streetcars.

Building Track

The VMF had three additional tracks built including tracks 4, 5, and 6. This will allow cars to enter Bay 4 for maintenance and will provide additional room to store the streetcars.

Building Track

The VMF had three additional tracks built including tracks 4, 5, and 6. This will allow cars to enter Bay 4 for maintenance and will provide additional room to store the streetcars.

Building Track

The VMF had three additional tracks built including tracks 4, 5, and 6. This will allow cars to enter Bay 4 for maintenance and will provide additional room to store the streetcars.

Building Track

The VMF had three additional tracks built including tracks 4, 5, and 6. This will allow cars to enter Bay 4 for maintenance and will provide additional room to store the streetcars.

OCS Wires

With all of the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles stood, crews were able to hang wire this year. This will help to power the streetcars as they enter and leave the facility.

New Operations Center

The over 5,000 square foot building was renovated to house the KC Streetcar Operations team once the project is complete. Half of the building will house staff while the other half will be used for storage. This building is now serving as the Operations Center.

New Operations Center

The over 5,000 square foot building was renovated to house the KC Streetcar Operations team once the project is complete. Half of the building will house staff while the other half will be used for storage. This building is now serving as the Operations Center.

New Operations Center

The over 5,000 square foot building was renovated to house the KC Streetcar Operations team once the project is complete. Half of the building will house staff while the other half will be used for storage. This building is now serving as the Operations Center.

Wheel Truing Machine

A new wheel truing machine arrived and was installed in Bay 4! This will allow for streetcars to roll right into Bay 4 when in need of wheel maintenance.

Wheel Truing Machine

A new wheel truing machine arrived and was installed in Bay 4! This will allow for streetcars to roll right into Bay 4 when in need of wheel maintenance.