KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As Kansas City prepares to serve as a host city for the FIFA World Cup, the Missouri Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan ahead for the potential for sharply increased traffic across the state.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to travel through Missouri during the tournament. While the greatest impacts will occur in and around Kansas City, drivers statewide may experience heavier-than-usual traffic as visitors move between lodging, event venues and tourist destinations.
MoDOT has taken steps to keep motorists moving during this historic event. Nearly all state roadwork in the Kansas City region will take place off the roadway during the tournament, maximizing available capacity on major routes. Operations centers will be staffed during all event periods to support coordinated messaging and provide timely travel information.
“This is a proud moment for Missouri, and it takes all of us working together to keep our roads safe,” said MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. “By planning ahead and staying alert to changing conditions, drivers can help ensure a smooth World Cup experience. When it comes to travel, a little teamwork goes a long way. That’s how we’ll celebrate a successful tournament for Missouri residents and visitors alike.”
To help improve highway capacity during the games, MoDOT is also encouraging freight operators to plan alternate routes around Kansas City during heavy travel periods. Traffic may be elevated throughout Missouri as visitors move between cities and event sites, and adjusting travel patterns can help reduce delays.
Local employers will also be a key partner in helping keep traffic moving. If possible, MoDOT will encourage employers to alter schedules around match days and other events to help ease congestion and support efficient travel.
Rail travelers can also expect increased demand for tickets. Fortunately, additional capacity will be available on the Missouri River Runner between June 14 and July 12 to help accommodate increased demand.
For fans attending matches or the official fan festival, the ConnectKC26 transportation plan will guide them through designated parking hubs and dedicated bus routes. Complete details and updates are available at: https://kansascityfwc26.com/ .
