Light Rail Groundbreaking Marks New Beginning with 3.2-Mile Extension in Phoenix

Valley Metro and the city of Phoenix are marking a new beginning for the Valley’s transit system with an official groundbreaking on January 12, 2013. Construction on the Northwest light rail extension begins in early 2013 adding 3.2 miles to the existing 20 miles of service. Expansion of light rail is now occurring on both ends of the system with Central Mesa Extension’s construction underway since July 2012.

“This is an exciting time for all transit riders as we expand further into Phoenix, providing our customers with greater transit choice,” said Valley Metro CEO Steve Banta. “It is another important step towards building a multi-modal Total Transit Network that supports regional growth.”

“As mayor of the city of Phoenix and chairman of the Metro board, I welcome the community to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony which marks the start of the Northwest Extension construction project, adding 3 miles of light rail in our city,” said city of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “Along with existing bus service, this project will result in a stronger public transit service that is important to the mobility of the residents and the vitality of businesses and neighborhoods along 19th Avenue.”

The community is invited to a festive, family-friendly groundbreaking celebration including fun activities, food from local businesses and remarks from Valley Metro/city of Phoenix leadership.

Event Details
Saturday, January 12
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Southwest corner of 19th Avenue and Dunlap

The Northwest Extension will extend light rail northbound on 19th Avenue from Montebello to Dunlap Avenue and is expected to open in late 2015-early 2016. For more information, go to valleymetro.org/northwest or contact Carla Kahn, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 602-744-5552 or [email protected].