Water Main Break Floods Homes Near 39th Street and Troost Avenue
It was just after 7 a.m. Tuesday when residents on the east side of the Hyde Park neighborhood awoke to the sound of rushing water and the sight of flooding pouring down Troost Avenue near 39th Street. The normally busy intersection was shut down as water gushed from a ruptured water main, flooding basements and streets in the surrounding area. By 8 a.m., the floodwaters had reached homes along E. 40th Terrace and Benton Boulevard, forcing residents to evacuate and emergency crews to scramble for control.
What Happened
The Kansas City Water Services Department confirmed a major water main break on Troost Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets. The 24-inch pipe, part of the city’s aging infrastructure, ruptured early Tuesday morning, sending thousands of gallons of water flooding the Hyde Park and Longfellow neighborhoods. The break also caused a loss of water pressure reported as far north as Armour Boulevard and as far south as E. 43rd Street.
Emergency crews closed Troost Avenue in both directions from 39th to 41st Street and diverted traffic onto The Paseo and Prospect Avenue. Several homes along Benton Boulevard and E. 40th Terrace reported basement flooding. The nearby Rockhurst University campus, located just blocks east on Troost, experienced water pressure drops, disrupting morning classes and campus operations.
Why This Matters Locally
If your home or business is near Troost Avenue, 39th Street, or Benton Boulevard, you are directly at risk of property damage, water outages, and disrupted daily routines. Flooded basements mean costly repairs, potential mold growth, and loss of personal belongings. The lowered water pressure impacts everything from drinking water to fire safety, increasing dangers in an emergency.
Traffic delays caused by road closures on Troost Avenue and surrounding streets like The Paseo and Prospect Avenue will add minutes—if not hours—to your daily commute. For families in Longfellow and Hyde Park, this is a significant disruption during morning rush hour. If you live or work near Rockhurst University, expect interruptions to water service that could delay or cancel appointments and classes.
Ignoring early signs of water damage or waiting too long to act can lead to structural issues in your home and increased repair costs. The longer floodwaters sit, the more damage occurs to foundations, electrical systems, and personal property.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Step 1: Turn off your main water valve immediately to prevent further flooding inside your home.
- Step 2: If safe, unplug electrical devices and avoid contact with standing water to prevent electrocution.
- Step 3: Document all damage with photos and videos for insurance and legal purposes.
- Step 4: Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to report the incident and start a claim.
- Step 5: Use sandbags or temporary barriers if you have them to prevent additional water from entering your property.
- Step 6: Avoid driving through flooded streets like Troost Avenue or 39th Street to prevent vehicle damage or accidents.
- Step 7: Monitor local news and Kansas City Water Services updates for restoration timelines and safety advisories.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
Flood damage is complex and can worsen quickly. If your basement or home has flooded, you need to contact professional water damage restoration services immediately. DIY cleanup risks mold growth and hidden structural damage that could compromise your home’s safety.
If your property has sustained significant damage, or you face disputes with insurance companies, it’s essential to contact a local lawyer familiar with property and insurance law. They can help ensure you receive fair compensation and understand your rights.
Heavy flooding can also weaken your home’s foundation or cause electrical hazards. You need licensed contractors and electricians to inspect and repair these critical systems safely.
For businesses and institutions like Rockhurst University affected by water pressure loss or flooding, professional planners and engineers may be required to assess infrastructure damage and coordinate repairs to prevent future incidents.
Local Context
Troost Avenue is a major north-south artery running through multiple Kansas City neighborhoods, including Hyde Park and Longfellow. Residents and commuters use this route daily to access downtown, local schools, and businesses. The intersection at 39th Street is especially busy during morning and evening rush hours.
Hyde Park is a historic neighborhood with many older homes that are particularly vulnerable to water damage from main breaks. Longfellow, with its mix of residential and commercial properties, faces both safety and economic risks from such flooding events.
Rockhurst University, a well-known local institution near this incident, serves thousands of students and staff who depend on reliable utilities. Interruptions here ripple through the community, affecting education and local commerce.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The water main break occurred on Troost Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets, a critical corridor connecting the Hyde Park and Longfellow neighborhoods. Nearby streets affected include Benton Boulevard, E. 40th Terrace, and The Paseo, which serves as an alternate route during the closure.
Local landmarks near the break include Rockhurst University, just east of Troost on 53rd Street, and the historic Hyde Park Shopping Center. Residents traveling to downtown Kansas City from these neighborhoods often use Troost Avenue, making this disruption a daily concern for thousands.
Traffic diversions push vehicles onto Prospect Avenue and The Paseo, both of which are already busy during peak hours. The flooding and road closures will likely cause extended delays through midweek as repairs continue.
