Collapsed Sewer Line Floods Homes Near 39th Street and Troost Avenue in Midtown
It was just after 7 a.m. on a chilly Thursday morning when residents along Troost Avenue near 39th Street in Midtown woke to an alarming sight: murky water seeping into basements and pooling at street corners. Neighbors in the Hyde Park and Longfellow neighborhoods found themselves navigating flooded sidewalks and damaged property before the workday even began. At the intersection of 39th and Troost, the usual morning rush was disrupted by emergency crews and curious onlookers, as water gushed from a ruptured sewer line underneath the street.
What Happened
Kansas City Public Works confirmed a major sewer line collapse beneath Troost Avenue between 38th and 40th Streets. The failure caused sewage and stormwater to back up into adjacent residential basements and seep into nearby streets. The affected area spans parts of the Hyde Park and Longfellow neighborhoods, with dozens of homes reporting flooding. The collapse has also forced the temporary closure of Troost Avenue between 38th and 40th Streets, a key north-south artery connecting Midtown to the Plaza area.
City crews are working to repair the damaged infrastructure, but officials warn that full restoration could take several days. The Public Works Department has issued a boil water advisory for residents in the immediate vicinity due to potential contamination risks. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Fire Department and Water Services are on site managing the emergency response.
Why This Matters Locally
This sewer collapse is more than just an inconvenience. For households in Hyde Park and Longfellow, the flooding threatens property damage, health hazards, and costly cleanups. Sewage backup can ruin flooring, walls, and personal belongings, forcing families into temporary housing or expensive repairs. Ignoring the issue or delaying action increases the risk of mold growth and long-term structural damage to homes.
For commuters, the closure of Troost Avenue between 38th and 40th Streets means heavier traffic on alternate routes such as Main Street and Gillham Road, leading to delays during morning and evening rush hours. Local businesses near the intersection, including those around the historic Rockhurst University campus just blocks away, face disruptions that could affect their operations and customers.
Residents relying on city water in the affected zone must heed the boil water advisory immediately. Failure to do so risks exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses, compounding the health dangers posed by the sewage overflow.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Step 1: Avoid contact with any standing water inside or outside your home. Sewage contains harmful pathogens.
- Step 2: Turn off your home’s water supply to prevent further contamination.
- Step 3: Document the damage with photos and videos for insurance and legal purposes.
- Step 4: Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to report the flooding and start a claim.
- Step 5: Follow the city’s boil water advisory strictly—boil all water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.
- Step 6: If your home is severely flooded, evacuate to a safe location and notify local authorities.
- Step 7: Avoid using your home’s plumbing until the city confirms it is safe.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
If you experience sewage backup or flooding, professional assistance becomes critical at several points. First, you need to contact a licensed restoration contractor immediately. DIY cleanup is dangerous and ineffective against sewage contamination. Professionals have the equipment and expertise to remove hazardous waste, dry out your home, and prevent mold growth.
Legal help may become necessary if your property suffers extensive damage or if you face disputes with insurance companies. Consulting a Kansas City-based property lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and claims are handled properly.
Once the city completes sewer repairs, hiring a certified plumber is essential before restoring water service. Plumbers can inspect your home’s internal systems to prevent further damage or contamination.
Finally, if you are considering rebuilding or remodeling after damage, engaging a local contractor or planner familiar with Kansas City building codes and neighborhood regulations is crucial. This ensures your repairs comply with city standards and avoid future complications.
Local Context: Why This Matters to Kansas City Residents
Residents of Hyde Park and Longfellow, as well as commuters passing through Midtown daily, should pay close attention to this sewer collapse. Troost Avenue is a vital corridor linking neighborhoods from the historic 18th and Vine district through Midtown to the Country Club Plaza. Disruptions here ripple through traffic patterns and can affect emergency response times, school commutes, and local businesses.
With aging infrastructure across Kansas City, this incident highlights the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness. Residents should monitor updates from Kansas City Public Works and be ready to act quickly if their homes or routines are affected.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The sewer collapse is centered on Troost Avenue between 38th and 40th Streets in Midtown, adjacent to the Hyde Park and Longfellow neighborhoods. Nearby landmarks include Rockhurst University to the east and the historic Midtown Crossing shopping district a few blocks west along 39th Street.
Troost Avenue serves as a key north-south route connecting these neighborhoods with Downtown Kansas City and the Country Club Plaza. Local bus routes and daily commuters rely on this corridor, making any closure or disruption a significant challenge.
Residents traveling from the 39th Street corridor, Gillham Road, or Main Street will encounter detours and delays until repairs are complete. Businesses along Troost and 39th Street are also impacted, underscoring the broad effect of this infrastructure failure on daily life in Kansas City.
