Work is rolling along on the Valley Metro Light Rail Northwest Extension in Phoenix. Literally.
Vehicle and system testing started Nov. 18 in preparation for a spring opening of the 3.2 mile route. Testing provides an opportunity for full inspection of operations, including track and overhead wire along with staff training.
The Northwest Extension, a Sundt/Stacy and Witbeck Joint Venture (SSWJV), is expected to serve approximately 5,000 riders per day. It is Sundt’s fourth project for Valley Metro Light Rail. In 2008, SSWJV completed more than half of the original 20-mile section of the transit system (Line Section 4 and Line Section 5), plus the system’s maintenance and operations facility.
The light rail system was used by 71 million passengers in FY’15. Six extensions are planned or under construction to complete a 66-mile system by 2034. SSWJV has been awarded the next extension, another 1.9 miles that will further service.
