Water Main Break Floods Intersection Near 39th and Troost, Disrupting Midtown Traffic and Homes
It was just after 7 a.m. Tuesday when the steady hum of morning traffic on Troost Avenue near 39th Street in Midtown was shattered by the sudden roar of rushing water. A water main burst beneath the intersection, sending a geyser of water shooting into the air and flooding the streets within minutes. Cars stalled in the rising water, and nearby homes in the Hyde Park neighborhood began to experience basement flooding. Commuters and residents scrambled to avoid the rapidly spreading damage as city crews rushed to the scene.
What Happened
The Kansas City Water Services Department confirmed a 24-inch water main broke at the intersection of Troost Avenue and 39th Street early Tuesday morning. The break caused significant flooding along Troost between 38th and 40th Streets and affected parts of the Hyde Park and Squier Park neighborhoods. The burst also impacted water pressure for dozens of homes and businesses in the surrounding area, including the adjacent Rockhurst High School campus on Troost.
Emergency crews closed Troost Avenue in both directions from 38th to 40th Streets to manage the flooding and begin repairs. Water seeped into basements and ground floors of residential buildings along Troost and adjacent side streets like The Paseo and Campbell Avenue. Several residents reported damage to electrical systems and home appliances.
Why This Matters Locally
This break hits a busy artery in Midtown, a neighborhood where thousands of residents rely on Troost for daily commutes, school runs, and local business access. The flooding not only disrupts traffic but poses immediate safety risks. Flooded streets increase the chance of vehicle accidents and can hide hazards like open manholes or damaged pavement. For homeowners in Hyde Park and Squier Park, the break threatens costly water damage and mold growth if not addressed quickly.
Water pressure issues mean some households may be without reliable water for cooking, cleaning, or sanitation for days. This raises health concerns, especially for families with young children or elderly residents. The closure of streets around Rockhurst High School complicates student transportation, forcing parents and school buses to find alternate routes amid already congested Midtown roads.
Delays in repair could extend these problems, increasing financial strain and stress on affected households. Ignoring early signs of flooding or water damage can lead to long-term structural problems in homes, driving up repair costs and potentially affecting property values in these historic neighborhoods.
If This Happens To You: What To Do Immediately
- Turn off your home’s main water valve to prevent further flooding inside.
- Move valuable items, electronics, and furniture out of basements and low-lying areas.
- Avoid walking or driving through flooded streets—hidden hazards could cause injury or vehicle damage.
- Document any visible damage with photos or video for insurance purposes.
- Contact your homeowner’s insurance company to report flooding and initiate claims.
- Use bottled water or boil water advisories if your tap water pressure or quality is affected.
- Stay informed through city alerts and local news for updates on road closures and water service restoration.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
Flooding caused by a water main break can quickly overwhelm typical homeowner responses. When water enters your home, professional contractors specializing in water damage restoration are essential to prevent mold and structural decay. If your property sustains significant damage, you need to contact a licensed contractor immediately to assess and repair plumbing, electrical systems, and structural elements.
If you face disputes with your insurance company over coverage or claims, consulting a local attorney experienced in property and insurance law becomes necessary. Legal advice can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages.
For residents and businesses dealing with interrupted water service or infrastructure concerns, professional plumbers and water system experts are needed to evaluate and repair internal plumbing issues that might arise after the city completes main repairs.
Finally, if the flooding or road closures affect your property boundaries, access, or planned improvements, contacting a local city planner or zoning expert helps navigate permit requirements and city regulations.
Local Context
Troost Avenue is a vital north-south corridor running through several Kansas City neighborhoods, including Midtown, Hyde Park, and Squier Park. The intersection at 39th Street is a key connector to residential streets, schools, and local businesses. Many residents pass through this area daily, whether commuting to downtown, dropping children off at Rockhurst High School, or accessing community services.
Flooding and road closures here ripple outward, affecting traffic patterns and access for emergency vehicles, delivery services, and public transportation. The water main break is not just a localized inconvenience—it threatens safety, property, and daily routines across multiple neighborhoods.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The water main break is centered at the intersection of Troost Avenue and 39th Street, a busy stretch in the Midtown area. Nearby streets affected include 38th Street, 40th Street, The Paseo, and Campbell Avenue. The neighborhoods impacted are Hyde Park to the east and Squier Park to the west, both historic residential districts with a mix of single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
Landmarks close to the site include Rockhurst High School on Troost Avenue and the historic Hyde Park neighborhood park. Residents and commuters often use Troost as a primary route between Midtown and Downtown Kansas City, as well as to access local institutions such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City a few blocks north.
Given the importance of Troost Avenue for daily travel and the density of housing nearby, the water main break’s effects are immediate and widespread. Residents in these neighborhoods should prepare for ongoing disruptions and take swift action if their homes or routines are impacted.
