(AP) – Crews are beginning to lay rail for a two-mile streetcar route through downtown Kansas City.

The contractor is giving the media a chance to view the work Thursday afternoon. Mayor Sly James, city council members and streetcar advocates will be on hand.

Streetcars are expected to begin running in 2015 from near Union Station to the River Market area.

The project has an estimated cost of about $100 million. Supporters hope it will be the first leg of a more extensive public rail system.