Water Main Break Floods Homes Near 39th Street and Troost Avenue, Leaving Residents Stranded
It was just after 7 a.m. on a chilly Tuesday morning when the intersection of 39th Street and Troost Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood became a scene of chaos. Water gushed violently from a ruptured main beneath the street, flooding sidewalks and spilling into nearby homes. Commuters and residents scrambling to get to work found themselves wading through ankle-deep water, while drivers faced snarled traffic and detours.
The break, confirmed by Kansas City Water Services, disrupted water supply to multiple blocks across Hyde Park and the adjoining neighborhoods of Squier Park and Longfellow. At least a dozen homes along 39th, Troost, and adjacent Gillham Road reported basement flooding as the pressured water seeped through foundations and overwhelmed sump pumps. The nearby Kansas City Public Library branch on 39th Street temporarily closed due to water damage concerns.
What Happened
At approximately 6:45 a.m., a 12-inch water main beneath 39th Street near Troost Avenue ruptured. Kansas City Water Services crews responded quickly, shutting off the main valve by 8 a.m. to stop further flooding. However, the delay allowed thousands of gallons of water to inundate streets and homes.
Residents on 39th Street between Troost and Gillham reported sudden flooding in basements and ground floors. Several vehicles parked along Troost Avenue were damaged by rising water. Power outages affected some blocks, as water compromised electrical systems in homes and streetlights.
Traffic on Troost Avenue and 39th Street was rerouted for several hours, causing backups that stretched into the Midtown and Longfellow neighborhoods. Kansas City Police set up barricades at the intersections of 39th and Troost, as well as 39th and Gillham Road, to prevent accidents.
Why This Matters Locally
This break is more than an inconvenience. If you live or work near 39th and Troost, your household faces immediate risks of property damage and health hazards. Floodwater can seep into electrical systems, creating fire risks or outages that may last days. Waterlogged basements increase the chance of mold growth, which can affect respiratory health and require costly remediation.
For commuters, the rerouted traffic on Troost and 39th Street means longer travel times and increased stress during rush hours. Local businesses, including the nearby Kansas City Public Library and small shops along Troost, face closures and lost income. Homeowners will confront urgent repairs, and renters risk displacement if flooding worsens.
Ignoring early signs of water damage—like damp walls or electrical flickers—can escalate to structural problems that reduce your property’s value and safety. Time is critical: the longer water sits, the more extensive and expensive the damage becomes.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Turn off your main water valve if you notice flooding or leaks inside your home.
- Shut off electricity at the breaker panel if water is near electrical outlets or appliances.
- Move valuable items and electronics to higher ground to prevent damage.
- Contact Kansas City Water Services at (816) 513-1313 to report the break or ongoing leaks.
- Document the damage with photos and videos for insurance claims.
- Evacuate your home if flooding compromises structural safety or if advised by emergency services.
- Do not attempt to pump out water or make repairs yourself until professionals assess the situation.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
Once flooding has occurred, professional intervention is critical. You need to contact licensed contractors for water damage restoration and structural repairs. Mold remediation specialists should be brought in if you detect musty odors or visible mold, as untreated mold can cause serious health issues.
If your property has suffered extensive damage or if you face disputes with landlords or insurance companies, consulting a local attorney becomes necessary. Legal help ensures your rights are protected, especially if repairs are delayed or compensation is denied.
For traffic disruptions or property damage caused by the break, you may need to work with city planners or municipal authorities to understand timelines for repairs and street reopening. Professional advice can help you navigate these bureaucratic hurdles.
Local Context
Hyde Park, Squier Park, and Longfellow are among Kansas City’s historic neighborhoods, with many residents relying on aging infrastructure. The break near 39th and Troost is a stark reminder that the city’s water system requires urgent attention to prevent recurring failures. Troost Avenue serves as a major north-south artery connecting these neighborhoods to Midtown and downtown Kansas City, meaning many residents and commuters encounter this area daily.
For households near Gillham Road and 39th Street, this incident is a warning: water damage can strike without notice and escalate quickly. Understanding your immediate steps and when to call in professionals can save your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The water main break occurred at the busy intersection of 39th Street and Troost Avenue, right in the heart of Hyde Park. Nearby streets affected include Gillham Road, which runs parallel to Troost, and 38th Street, just a block north.
Hyde Park borders the Squier Park neighborhood to the east and Longfellow to the south, both predominantly residential areas with older homes vulnerable to flooding. Troost Avenue is a critical corridor for school buses, public transit, and daily commuters heading to the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus and the Midtown business district.
Residents traveling through this area will notice ongoing construction, detours, and possible service interruptions for days to come. Those living or working near the intersection should prepare for disruptions and potential property risks until full repairs are completed.
