Phoenix's Transit System Gets Big Money for Big Project

Construction is expected to begin next year on the second phase building of Phoenix’s extensive light rail network.

Once completed, the extension will provide connections between downtown Phoenix, the Arizona State University campus, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The Federal Transit Administration has announced that it is awarding nearly $50 million in grants to the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority for the continuation of a long-anticipated extension project.

That project centers on the construction of new light rail infrastructure heading west on Dunlap Avenue from 19th Street and then up and over Interstate 17 at the Mountain View Road.

The 1.6-mile light rail extension project will also see the building of Valley Metro’s first elevated transit station, to be used for both light rail and bus services.

The FTA is also awarding Valley Metro $1 million for planning the project.
​
What is anticipated to be a total $401 million project is expected to be completed sometime in 2024.

By Garry Boulard

---