Westport Project Nears World Cup Pause

A nearly $30 million infrastructure overhaul in Kansas City's historic Westport district is nearing a critical phase, with construction set to pause just ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The project, designed to solve decades of chronic flooding, involves massive underground work that will be temporarily buttoned up to ensure the entertainment district is accessible and presentable for the influx of global visitors. KC Water officials confirm that Mill Street will reopen before the first week of June, providing relief to local businesses and setting the stage for the district's global debut.

For years, heavy rains have turned Westport's streets into rivers, damaging property and crippling business. "I remember employees being affected because their cars were flooded," said Cory Puckett of Beer Kitchen and Char Bar, in an interview with KSHB 41. The historic neighborhood's undersized, century-old combined sewer system was simply no match for modern storms. The solution is a feat of engineering: two massive underground basins, one 1.5 million gallons and another 2 million gallons, built beneath the former Sun Fresh parking lot and Dr. Jeremiah Cameron Park. These reservoirs, buried in excavations up to 19 feet deep, will capture 3.5 million gallons of runoff and release it slowly into the sewer system. Andy Shively, deputy director of KC Water Services, explained that new permeable pavers will also help capture water before it ever reaches the main drains.

The path to progress has been disruptive. Fencing, detours, and noise have taken a toll on local businesses and residents. "When the project first started, it was a very, very drastic downfall in terms of sales," Awni Alazzah, manager of Jerusalem Café, told KSHB. Jackson Overstreet, a spokesperson for KC Water, acknowledged the frustration: "We know people are frankly sick of the construction. Construction fatigue is set in." Yet, many see the current inconvenience as a necessary investment. Gary Goebel, who has witnessed decades of flooding, called the project "very short-term, paying for long-term gain." The upcoming pause for the World Cup offers a preview of the district's future, allowing businesses a crucial period of normal operation during a high-traffic international event.

With the major underground work wrapping up, crews will focus on making the area presentable for June. Mill Street will be reopened, and construction will halt for the duration of the World Cup. This pause is strategic, allowing Kansas City to put its best foot forward for a global audience while giving local businesses a much-needed reprieve. Work is scheduled to resume in August 2026, focusing on automation, final landscaping, and improvements to Dr. Jeremiah Cameron Park. While the district will be fully functional for the World Cup, the entire project is not slated for final completion until the summer of 2027, according to the city's timeline.