It’s been a few years since we heard about the delay to the northwest light rail extension. This week the story changed, and we hear that the city of Phoenix has given the green light to accelerate the 3.2 mile extension up 19th Avenue to Dunlap.
From the METRO web site we read:
“UPDATE: With meetings in May and June, the METRO Board and Phoenix City Council approved the advancement of Northwest Extension Phase I from 2023 to late 2015/early 2016. This is a positive step for regional transit in the Valley and will support the continued rebound of the economy. Next steps include reconnecting with previous contractors and updating/continuing project design. Construction could initiate in early 2013. More details will be shared with the community in coming weeks.” – METRO light rail
It sounds like sales tax revenue is expected to continue its recent rise and people are excited to get the light rail expansion back on track. Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton was recently quoted as saying this about the light rail extension:
“I have consistently said we can only be a great city if we have a great transit system, and the backbone of that system is the light rail. The Northwest Extension Project is a significant milestone for our city and our region — it will create jobs, further connect our community with sustainable transportation options, and create new economic development opportunities. Light Rail’s community support and growing ridership have created the momentum to connect more of our city’s neighborhoods to our transit system and we’ve got to continue that growth” – Greg Stanton
The line extension, park and ride lot, and three new stations are said to be bringing 1000 new jobs as part of this project. New station locations will be located at 19th and Glendale, 19th and Northern, and at 19th and Dunlap. These are areas that should see economic growth and should bring new / more riders to the system with the large residential component in the area. ( nearly 10,000 housing units per METRO )
We just might have another groundbreaking ceremony at the end of this year. Stick around, more info is coming soon!
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