KC streetcar service resumes after suspension over electrical concern

Kansas City’s new streetcar system suspended service for about four hours Wednesday as a precaution over a possible electrical issue.

The system halted service shortly after 11 a.m. when a streetcar construction official observed smoke coming from the ground near an electrified streetcar pole south of 20th and Main streets.

Streetcar Authority spokeswoman Donna Mandelbaum said the electricity to the entire line was shut down while the smoke issue was investigated.

“We are being extra cautious,” Mandelbaum said.

Shortly after 3 p.m., workers re-established service by bypassing the electrical pole and restoring power to the rest of the line while the investigation into the cause continued.

Mandelbaum said the system’s electric catenary and four substations all appeared to be working fine after service resumed Wednesday afternoon.

The smoke appeared to come from a construction zone and a trench that’s not streetcar-related on the west side of Main Street south of 20th. Crews have been laying conduit for a new streetlight there, and Mandelbaum said the initial investigation suggested the problem was isolated to that construction area.

Buses carried passengers while the streetcar service was suspended.

It was the second streetcar suspension in three days on the 2.2-mile route that opened May 6 between Union Station and the River Market.

Investigators are looking at a combination of factors that led to Monday’s minor derailment at a track switch outside Union Station. Those factors include an intense amount of rain and debris that was washed toward the switch. Investigators are also looking at the vehicle — Car No. 804, which was the newest car to arrive — and the track setup. Operator error has been ruled out.

Mandelbaum said the track switch manufacturer was sending people to Kansas City to inspect the equipment.

This story was originally published May 25, 2016 at 12:19 PM with the headline "KC streetcar service resumes after suspension over electrical concern."