(Kansas City, Missouri - May 15, 2017) – One year with the downtown KC Streetcar and plans are underway to look at expansion efforts.
The KC Streetcar Authority (KCSA), in coordination with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), selected the team led by HDR to conduct a KC Streetcar Southern Extension study to assess multi-modal transportation needs. The KC Streetcar Southern Extension Technical Services will build upon the downtown streetcar service and will support work required to further develop and advance the southern extension towards the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC).
In addition to HDR serving as the project lead, the team consists of members from Burns & McDonnell, HNTB, Trekk Design Group, Hg Consult, Parson + Associates, VSM Engineering and Architectural & Historical Research.
“We are thrilled to be working hand-in-hand with our partner, the KCATA, to detail specific plans for a southern streetcar extension and related bus improvements connecting downtown to the University of Missouri, Kansas City campus,” said Tom Gerend, executive director, KC Streetcar Authority. “This effort is a critical step towards advancing the region’s transit vision and completing the due diligence that will be required to make this vision a reality.”
The KC Streetcar Southern Extension study will focus on following:
− Data collection (utilities, current conditions, etc.)
− Refining alignment details (curb-running / center-running)
− Station stop locations and terminus configuration
− Plan for coordinated regional transit service integration and improvement
− Updated cost estimates
− Initiation of federal funding process
“Today people recognize that public transit is so much more than moving people from point A to point B,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. “It is about creating jobs, providing jobs access and providing economic development opportunities. Whether it’s by bus, bike, paratransit, taxi, walking or streetcar, we are all working together to meet the dynamic travel needs of our region.”
The primary study area for this effort extends from downtown Kansas City and Union Station, south to UMKC in the vicinity of 51st and Brookside Boulevard. The study area is generally bounded on the west by Broadway Boulevard and on the east by Gillham Road. The KC Streetcar Authority, in partnership with Port KC and the KCATA, is already studying a streetcar and multi-modal extension to Berkley Riverfront Park.