18th and Vine Streetcar Extension unveils potential routes connecting the Crossroads

18th and Vine Streetcar Study Area // Courtesy of Parsons + Associates

Kansas City’s first public meeting for the 18th and Vine Streetcar Feasibility study was held Tuesday, February 3, and public comment remains open till February 27. This meeting kicks off one of the first steps in establishing a streetcar route that will connect East Crossroads with the 18th and Vine District.

The feasibility study aims to identify any fatal flaws in the design, construction, or operation of an alignment spanning 18th Street from Main to The Paseo, ending just in front of The Negro League Baseball Museum. This project lines up with recent “Revive the Vine” projects that include a pedestrian mall along 18th Street and reconstruction of Boone Theater.

Residents, business owners, and government officials packed the tight space late Tuesday, as store-brand granola bars and enlarged poster boards lined the back room. As far as open houses go, this room was buzzing with excitement for the next installment of the modern trolley. While some residents raised concerns about bike routes, cost, and alternative routes, the majority were excited about the development opportunities along this route. Consultants and city traffic planners encouraged visitors to share their views on three main topics: potential streetcar stops, concerns about the area, and thoughts on the two route alternatives.

Draft Alternative 1 – 18th Street “Bi-Directional” // Courtesy of Parsons + Associates

The two presented alternatives included a bi-directional route along 18th Street (Alternative 1) and a clockwise loop running west along 19th Street and east along 18th Street (Alternative 2). Both concept alignments – that can evolve as the design progresses – were presented with high-level pros and cons available to view on the KC Streetcar website.

Draft Alternative 2 – 18th 19th Clockwise “Loop” // Courtesy of Parsons + Associates

Now that the dust has finally settled on the Main Street extension, with enforcement of transit-only lanes finally beginning, get ready for a multi-year process to begin design of the extension, let alone construction. Consultants tasked with the streetcar feasibility study shared that there is no detailed timeline, and a graphic explained that multiple studies and design phases will be completed before construction. While we wait for the Grinders streetcar stop, be sure to share your concerns and thoughts with the team shaping the future of Kansas City connectivity. Online feedback on the 18th and Vine streetcar alignment is open until February 27 – share your thoughts here.