Valley Metro light rail northwest extension project to pick up $158M

PHOENIX – A northwest extension of Valley Metro light rail that includes an elevated station has cleared another hurdle, earmarked for a $158 million federal grant.

“The project got an important thumbs-up from the federal government,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

City officials expect the grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to be signed in early November.

The 1.6-mile northwest extension will push the line from its current final stop at 19th and Dunlap avenues over Interstate 17 and end at an elevated platform on the west side of what was once Metrocenter Mall.

Total cost of the extension sits at $401 million, Gallego said. Of that, $213 million was sourced through local funding and $30 million from regional sales tax.

“All of this money is working together to create what will be one of the coolest stations on our light rail,” Gallego said.

“If you drive by Metrocenter Mall right now you can see the structure for it to bridge over I-17,” Gallego said.

The mayor said the new leg of the system is projected to carry about 5,700 riders a day.
“Phoenix is the fastest-growing big city in the country. We have to invest in diverse infrastructure if we’re going to move people.”

“We’ll just have a more connected community.”

The project is expected to be finished in 2024.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Tasler contributed to this report.

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