Phoenix-area light rail extension to open months ahead of schedule

PHOENIX — The latest addition to the light rail in metropolitan Phoenix is
set to open on August 22 with three additional miles in Mesa, Valley Metro
officials announced Wednesday.

The nearly $200 million project was completed seven months ahead of schedule.

“That means (businesses) have to put up with the hassles of construction seven months less and they get to enjoy all the benefits of all the people that come on this train seven months early,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said.

The new light rail line runs along Main Street and connects Sycamore street
with Mesa Drive. Officials said the three extra miles of light rail will add four
stations, one park-and-ride, and about 5,000 daily riders. The addition of four
stations will allow residents to easily commute to and from shopping centers,
restaurants, and educational institutions. About 47,000 people ride the light
rail now across Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe.

Valley Metro spokeswoman Susan Tierney said officials were able to work much
faster than they anticipated. Tierney attributes the speed of the ongoing
project to effective communication between construction workers, city officials
and community residents.

Before the opening of the new line on August 22, there will be various tests
conducted to ensure new traffic signals and restrictions are running smoothly
and conductors are properly trained. As part of the testing, residents
will see empty trains along the new line.

Valley Metro officials said they plan to begin another, two-mile addition to
the Mesa line sometime in the next year.

KTAR’s Mark Remillard contributed to this report.

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