With the Aug. 22 opening of the Central Mesa light-rail train extension in Mesa, Arizona -- seven months ahead of schedule -- passengers on Valley Metro Rail will be able to get to new destinations along Main Street and well into downtown Mesa.
The new line will make it possible for a rider to go further than Sycamore -- all the way to Mesa Drive.
“This is a very exciting day for Mesa,” Mayor John Giles said. “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.”
Mesa Vice Mayor and Valley Metro Rail Board Chairman Dennis Kavanaugh agreed.
“This has been a great project,” Kavanaugh said. “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.”
Construction on the three-mile extension, expected to attract 5,000 more riders each day, began in spring 2012 and is being funded with regional and federal money.
The project was awarded a $75 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant in fall 2012.
“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,” Steve Banta, Valley Metro's CEO, said.
Mesa, Arizona, light-rail extension to open ahead of schedule
Alerts Sign-up