Rolling on in: Northwest Phoenix light rail expansion set to open

PHOENIX — The Valley Metro light rail expansion into northwest Phoenix is getting ready to roll.

The 3-mile expansion of the intercity transportation system, which will extend along 19th Avenue from Montebello to Dunlap in Phoenix, is set to open on March 19.

Three new stations will also be added at Glendale, Northern and Dunlap avenues.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said the extension will contribute to an “incredible” amount of investment along the light rail line.

“There’s already been $8 billion (worth) of investment along the existing light rail line,” he said. “We’re going to bring that benefit to neighborhoods like right here in northwest Phoenix.”

Stanton, who went along for a sneak peek ride on Monday, said the light rail makes Phoenix’s attractions more accessible.

“You don’t have to have a car to get downtown,” he said. “You jump right on this light rail and it’ll take you to all the great theaters and museums that we’re lucky enough to have downtown.”

Service on the light rail extension will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Related

Retired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerPowerball ticket sales begin Tuesday in the United KingdomArizona Republicans pick nominees Tuesday for governor and other top officesUS and Iran dig in over the Strait of Hormuz, showing the limits of intensifying airstrikesStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages4-year-old boy dies a month after being pulled from Phoenix apartment pool