Valley Metro’s Mesa extension to open seven months early

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Beginning August 22, Valley Metro Rail will be traveling to new destinations along Main Street into downtown Mesa, Ariz. With service beginning seven months earlier than scheduled, the Central Mesa extension will soon take riders beyond Sycamore to Mesa Drive.

 

“This is a very exciting day for Mesa,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “I’m proud of the professional staff that was involved in this. The city and Valley Metro did a great job on this project, which is being delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.”

“This has been a great project,” said Mesa Vice Mayor and Valley Metro Rail Board Chair Dennis Kavanaugh. “The city, Valley Metro and our contractor have worked so well together to make this happen really seamlessly. It’s a hallmark of rail construction here in the Valley.”

It’s anticipated that the three-mile extension, which began construction in June 2012, will add 5,000 daily riders. It is funded by a combination of regional and federal dollars, having received a $75-million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant in fall 2012.

“We are pleased to bring light rail to the Mesa community seven months in advance,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro chief executive officer. “It is a true testament of our team’s skillful coordination and expertise that we continue our positive track record of delivering projects on time to the local community.”

 

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