Kansas City Celebrates Grand Opening of HDR-Designed KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension
Newest KC Streetcar Extension Expands Access to Growing Riverfront
On May 18, 2026, Kansas City celebrated the grand opening of the $62 million KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension. The project adds 0.7 miles of track to the existing KC Streetcar line, connecting north from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park.
The Riverfront Extension is the second streetcar line in Kansas City to open in the past seven months. The newest extension will serve CPKC Stadium, home of the KC Current of the National Women's Soccer League, as well as the rapidly growing, walkable riverfront neighborhood, which includes a new pedestrian bridge, office, restaurant, retail, residential and community spaces. The extension will also improve connectivity between the River Market and the riverfront, which are currently separated by railroad tracks.
Since launching in 2016, the KC Streetcar has become one of the most successful streetcar systems in the United States, spurring billions of dollars in new investment and surpassing ridership projections. HDR has worked closely with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, the KC Streetcar Authority, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Port KC, and community stakeholders on the Riverfront Extension, initial streetcar Downtown Line, and the southern Main Street Extension, which opened in October 2025.
“The Kansas City Streetcar system has been transformative for the city and its residents,” said HDR Project Manager James Rice. “As a downtown resident, I’ve witnessed how widely it’s used for everyday trips, from dining out to running errands. The Riverfront Extension will expand that convenience, connecting people to soccer games, walks in the park, and to their homes along the riverfront.”
On the Riverfront Extension, HDR completed final design, provided construction support, and helped with startup testing.
“Congratulations to the City, the KC Streetcar Authority and all of Kansas City on the exciting new extension to their streetcar system,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “Kansas City is just one of the many places where HDR is working on streetcar projects across the United States, and it continues to be an example of how streetcars can transform communities.”
About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.
