For quite some time, I have talked about how impressed I have been with the Mesa light rail extension talks. Light rail will be a big move forward for downtown Mesa. More details to come soon but here is a video I shot of Mayor Smith prior to the light rail grand opening in 2008 along with today’s press release from METRO concerning plans for light rail stations in Mesa.
Mesa Council takes action on light rail extension’s station locations and traffic design
PHOENIX — After several months of public participation and community discussion, the Mesa City Council helped to further define the Central Mesa light rail extension with approval of four station locations and a Main Street traffic configuration plan at their City Council meeting last night, June 7.
Recommended station locations on Main Street:
East of Alma School Road
East of Country Club Drive
East of Center Street
East of Mesa Drive
These locations were identified for their proximity to activity centers and bus connections, least impact to adjacent property and curbs, economic development potential and convenient pedestrian access.
Recommended Main Street traffic configuration, Sycamore to Mesa Drive:
Sycamore to Country Club – Remains as two lanes of traffic in each direction. On-street parking will be removed to reduce impacts to adjacent property and sidewalks.
Country Club to Mesa Drive (Downtown Mesa) – Transitions into one lane of traffic in each direction. On-street parking and existing signalized pedestrian crossings will be maintained where possible.
All intersections along the line will have separate left turn lanes with dedicated left turn arrows.
The above recommendations will be forwarded to the METRO Board of Directors for their review this summer.
In addition, the Council committed to City funding for operations of the light rail extension.
I think it would be great to have the light rail extended a few more miles. Its a shame the train stops where it does. It needs to go to at least the Mormon temple, one of the most notable landmarks/locations in Mesa.
I am so disappointed about this. It will destroy downtown Mesa’s charm and laid-back vibe. It will also completely destroy the amazing Motorcycles on Main events that are sweeping downtown every month. A big, ugly light rail system right through downtown. Lovely.