Water Main Break Floods Intersection at 39th Street and Troost Avenue, Disrupting Midtown Traffic
Just after 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, the usually busy intersection of 39th Street and Troost Avenue in Midtown Kansas City was transformed into a flooded hazard zone. Drivers and commuters found themselves forced to turn around or crawl through standing water that quickly filled the road, while nearby residents in the Hyde Park neighborhood woke to the sound of rushing water and the smell of damp earth seeping into basements.
The water main break, confirmed by Kansas City Water Services, sent thousands of gallons of water flooding the streets between 39th and 41st Streets along Troost Avenue. The disruption has caused significant traffic delays on Troost, a major north-south artery, and forced closures of side streets including The Paseo and Gillham Road. The incident also affected nearby institutions such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where students and staff reported water pressure issues and delays arriving on campus.
What Happened
At approximately 6:45 a.m., crews responding to reports of water gushing near the intersection found a ruptured 12-inch water main beneath Troost Avenue. The break caused water to flood both lanes of Troost from 39th to 41st Street, creating hazardous driving conditions and forcing the closure of several blocks. Kansas City Water Services officials say the break was caused by aging infrastructure combined with recent ground shifting from construction projects nearby on 40th Street.
Residents in the Hyde Park and Longfellow neighborhoods reported basement flooding, especially on Troost Avenue and Oak Street. Several homes suffered water damage, and emergency repair crews are currently working to shut off the main and begin repairs. City officials warn that water service interruptions could last through Wednesday afternoon, impacting hundreds of households and businesses in the area.
Why This Matters Locally
This water main break is not just an inconvenience—it directly threatens the safety and well-being of Midtown residents and commuters. Troost Avenue is a critical route for thousands of daily drivers, including school buses, delivery trucks, and emergency vehicles. The flooding has already caused major traffic backups, increasing commute times by as much as 45 minutes for those traveling between the Hyde Park and Longfellow neighborhoods.
For residents on Troost and surrounding streets, the flooding risks property damage, including costly basement flooding and potential structural issues. If water seeps into homes unchecked, it can cause mold growth and long-term damage that could lower property values and increase insurance premiums. The disruption to UMKC’s campus water supply also threatens daily operations, affecting students and faculty alike.
Ignoring this situation could lead to further damage and increased repair costs. The longer the water remains uncontrolled, the greater the risk of road collapse or sinkholes forming under Troost Avenue. Residents and drivers need to take immediate precautions to avoid injury or property loss.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Step 1: Avoid driving through flooded streets, especially along Troost Avenue between 39th and 41st Streets. Water depth and road damage are unpredictable.
- Step 2: If you live on Troost, Oak, or nearby streets and notice water entering your basement, turn off your home’s main water valve immediately to prevent further flooding.
- Step 3: Document any water damage with photos and videos for insurance purposes, but do not enter standing water inside your home until it is deemed safe.
- Step 4: Contact Kansas City Water Services to report any water pressure issues or leaks at 311 or their emergency line.
- Step 5: Notify your homeowner’s insurance company about any damage as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
- Step 6: Stay clear of repair crews and barricades. Do not attempt to drive or walk near the break site until authorities say it is safe.
- Step 7: Monitor local news and Kansas City Water Services updates for repair progress and water service restoration timelines.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
If your home or business suffers flooding or water damage, professional contractors and repair services become essential. Water extraction, mold remediation, and structural repairs require licensed experts to prevent long-term health and safety risks.
If your property has sustained significant damage, you need to contact a qualified water damage restoration company immediately. Attempting DIY cleanup without proper equipment or experience can worsen the problem and void insurance coverage.
For legal assistance, consult a local attorney if you face disputes with your insurance company or if you believe negligence from contractors or the city contributed to your damage. Legal counsel is important to protect your rights and ensure proper compensation.
Additionally, if you live in the affected area and are planning renovations or repairs, professional planners and contractors can help assess structural integrity and advise on necessary permits and safety measures.
Local Context
Residents of Midtown Kansas City, especially those in Hyde Park and Longfellow, know Troost Avenue as a vital corridor connecting neighborhoods and providing access to schools, businesses, and public transit. The water main break at 39th and Troost disrupts daily life on a street many pass through or live near.
With UMKC’s campus nearby and several local institutions relying on this infrastructure, the impact of this break extends beyond immediate flooding. This incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure maintenance and awareness of how quickly a single failure can cascade into widespread disruption.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The water main break is centered at the intersection of 39th Street and Troost Avenue, a key junction in Midtown Kansas City. Troost Avenue runs north-south, connecting neighborhoods like Hyde Park to the north and Longfellow to the south. Nearby streets affected include 40th Street, which has ongoing construction projects, as well as Oak Street and The Paseo, both crucial for local traffic flow.
Landmarks in the vicinity include the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) campus just east of Troost, and the historic Corinth Square shopping area a few blocks north. Residents and commuters in these neighborhoods regularly use Troost and adjacent streets for work, school, and errands, making this disruption a significant local event with real consequences for safety and daily routines.
