KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension Breaks Ground, Targets Early 2026 Completion

The KC Streetcar Authority has officially begun constructing the $61 million riverfront extension project to connect the streetcar line to the Berkley Riverfront Park.

The Streetcar Authority along with its project partners at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of Kansas City and the City of Kansas City gathered on Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony. The Riverfront extension will cover 0.7 miles, connecting from the streetcar line at 3rd & Grand to the midpoint of Berkley Riverfront Park, directly west of the Kansan City Current’s CPKC Stadium.

The riverfront extension was funded through a combination of $35.2 million in federal funding and $25.9 million in local funding, according to a release. Due to rising construction costs, the project had to raise its price tag by 75 percent in November. The price hike rose the original estimated cost of $34.9 million to $61.1 million.

Construction is set to be completed in 2026 for the riverfront extension. The Streetcar Authority is also constructing a 3.5-mile Main Street extension that connects the River Market to UMKC, which is expected to be completed in 2025. When both projects finish, there will be 6.5-miles of connected streetcar line.

The Streetcar Authority hopes to finish the project before the 2026 World Cup.