Valley Metro light rail in Phoenix resumes full service 3 days after fiery crash

PHOENIX — The Valley Metro light rail line east of downtown Phoenix is fully operational again three days after a fiery crash disrupted the system, officials said Wednesday.

The westbound A Line along Washington Street had been closed between 12th and 24th streets since Sunday night’s destructive wreck.

While the segment was being repaired, westbound Valley Metro light rail trains shared the track with eastbound trains along Jefferson Street. The track sharing caused delays, prompting the transportation agency to deploy shuttle buses to help carry westbound passengers through the impacted area.

How did crash disrupt Valley Metro light rail system?

Valley Metro crews and partners worked across all hours to fully restore service after a semi-truck and a westbound train collided at 18th and Washington streets around 7:20 p.m. Sunday.

The crash ignited a fire and caused major damage to the truck, the train and the overhead electrification system.

The truck driver was hospitalized in stable condition after the collision. The train operator and passengers avoided injuries.

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