Valley Metro celebrates light-rail extension opening
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Valley Metro
The Valley Metro $327-million, 3.2-mile Northwest Extension opened on March 19 ahead of schedule and on budget after more than two years of construction.
Work on the project began in January 2013 after incoming leaders dedicated city of Phoenix and Proposition 400 funds to prevent additional delays to the project that would have resulted in the line opening in 2023.
“In order to keep this special day from being delayed by another seven years, it took political courage and a major local investment,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “We couldn’t afford to wait because we know that this extension will connect more Phoenix residents to jobs, education and opportunity while attracting billions of dollars of economic investment.”
“Working closely with partners such as the city of Phoenix, we are building a transportation network that enhances our region’s quality of life and increases our ability to compete with other metro areas around the world,” said Valley Metro Interim Chief Executive Officer Scott Smith. “What an exciting day for Phoenix and our region as we expand to connect more of the Valley and continue on our path of building a 66-mile high-capacity light -rail system over the next two decades.”
The additional 3.2 miles of service on 19th Avenue is anticipated to serve 5,000 daily riders who will be connecting to numerous central Phoenix sports and entertainment venues, Tempe Mill Avenue District and Arizona State University and the unique arts and culture offerings of downtown Mesa.
The Northwest Extension is the Valley’s second light-rail extension to open within the past seven months. In the future, seven additional high-capacity extensions, including a Phase II extension to Metrocenter Mall, are planned or are currently under construction, that will create a 66-mile system by 2034.
