Making tracks: Phoenix announces 2016 opening of light rail extension

PHOENIX — Phoenix city officials announced Thursday a 2016 opening date for the northwest extension of Valley Metro’s light rail line.

The new tracks are set to open March 19, 2016.

“The people in this area will now have easier access to get downtown, to go to Tempe, to go to Mesa,” Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said. “This is truly a regional system.”

Stanton said he expects economic growth in the area when it opens next year.

“Most of (the establishments) are locally-owned businesses and we want them not just to survive but to thrive because they have really put up with a lot and we really appreciate their patience,” he said.

He said the businesses in the area should benefit from increased foot traffic and new customers entering the area.

“We are expending the great benefits of transportation throughout the city and obviously this is a very, very important step in that direction,” he said.

The extension runs along 19th Avenue from Montebello Avenue to Dunlap Avenue and will serve an estimated 5,000 riders per day. Construction on the extension began in January 2013.

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