Project Profile: South Central Light Rail Extension, Phoenix

The South Central Light Rail Extension is an 8.8-kilometer (5.5-mile) expansion of the Valley Metro Rail system in Phoenix, Arizona. Officially operational since early 2024, the project enhances regional mobility and provides a vital sustainable transit link between downtown Phoenix and the South Mountain Village core. This profile details the project’s technical specifications, key contractors, and strategic impact on the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Technical Specifications

The South Central Light Rail Extension follows a dedicated route along Central Avenue and 1st Avenue, terminating at Baseline Road. The line incorporates nine new stations, strategically placed to serve residential and commercial centers. To support the expanded service, the project included the procurement of 17 new S700 light rail vehicles (LRVs), each with a capacity of approximately 175 passengers. Key infrastructure upgrades were critical to the project’s success, including the expansion of the existing Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC), the construction of a new train loop at Sherman Street for operational flexibility, and significant track and intersection improvements in downtown Phoenix to ensure seamless integration with the existing network.

Pedestrian and multimodal access were core components of the design. The project integrated 23 new signalized crosswalks and enhanced bicycle infrastructure along the corridor. Two major park-and-ride facilities at Baseline Road and Broadway Road stations provide a total of 376 parking spaces, encouraging commuter adoption from surrounding areas. The extension’s alignment and station placement were engineered to provide direct connections to major employment hubs, Arizona State University’s downtown campus, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via transfers.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Regional Connectivity: The extension provides a high-capacity transit alternative in a rapidly growing urban corridor, directly linking South Phoenix communities with major employment, education, and transportation hubs in downtown Phoenix.
• Economic Development Catalyst: By improving accessibility and investing in public infrastructure, the project has stimulated transit-oriented development and economic activity along Central Avenue, increasing property values and business opportunities.
• Sustainable Urban Mobility: The project is a cornerstone of Phoenix’s long-term transportation strategy, designed to mitigate traffic congestion, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve regional air quality by shifting commuters from private vehicles to public transit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the South Central Light Rail Extension open?

The South Central Light Rail Extension began full passenger service in early 2024. This followed the completion of major construction in 2023 and a subsequent period of system-wide testing and commissioning to ensure operational safety and reliability.

Who built the Phoenix South Central Light Rail?

The Phoenix South Central Light Rail Extension was a collaborative effort led by Valley Metro, the regional transit authority. The primary construction manager was Kiewit, a major US infrastructure firm. The lead design firm was Aecom, with Cardno providing specialized survey, mapping, and subsurface utility engineering services.