KANSAS CITY, Mo. — RideKC, operator of the Kansas City streetcar, reports “significant progress” in repairs to track damage that has shut down the system since July 4, and anticipates providing information on the return of service later this week.
A Sunday update reported that weekend work on the Main Street bridge across Interstate 670 including setting and grouting the rails on both tracks, completion of welding on three of the rails, and work to install new track drains on the north end of the bridge. Remaining work includes welding on the fourth rail, installation of rebar, and concrete pours on track slab approaches.
High temperatures are believed to be the cause of the track failure that occurred on July 4, shutting down the 2-mile, 16-stop, fare-free operation [see “Kansas City streetcar shutdown to continue …,” Trains News Wire, July 10, 2023].
The KC Streetcar has already taken steps to prevent this type of failure from occurring for the Main Street and Riverfront extensions. Lessons learned from the installation and operation of the downtown streetcar line led to a different design approach for both extensions. For example, a different type of rail is being used on the Main Street extension that allows it to be installed deeper into the road. Also, the track slabs are thicker and use a more durable mix of concrete with fiber and rebar reinforcement.
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While the streetcar service is suspended, riders can use RideKC’s Main Street MAX, which has been re-routed to the downtown streetcar line from Grand Boulevard to Main Street. Buses are running at 20-30 minute intervals and are free to ride.
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How does Kansas City destress its rails. Does it need miter rails?