KC Streetcar Authority advances riverfront extension plans

The Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA) late last week approved advancing to the next phase of technical work for a streetcar extension to the Missouri River.

The next planning phase will focus on completing conceptual design for the project, KCSA officials said in a press release. Other efforts will include survey work and utility location, estimating costs, performing an environmental assessment and conducting public outreach.

To help pay for construction, the project team is pursuing federal funding through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program. The downtown streetcar line received $20 million in TIGER funding in 2013.

The primary study area extends from downtown Kansas City to the Missouri River and Berkley Riverfront. The area is bounded on the west by the ASB Bridge and BNSF Railway Co. right of way and on the east by Senator Kit Bond Bridge.

KCSA late last year selected a team led by Burns and McDonnell to conduct the next planning phase for the riverfront extension. The work will occur while planning continues for a different extension to the University of Missouri-Kansas City.