JV Tracks Down Another Light Rail Project

 |  Civil & Transportation, Sundt People
The Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension groundbreaking took place on October 15, 2016.
Left to right: Valley Metro Interim CEO Scott Smith, Mesa Councilmember Dave Richins, Mesa Mayor John Giles, Mesa Vice Mayor and Valley Metro Rail Board Vice Chair Dennis Kavanaugh, Mesa Councilmember David Luna, Mesa Councilmember Alex Finter, Stacy and Witbeck/Sundt Project Manager Jennifer Donaldson, Mesa Councilmember Chris Glover, and Mesa City Manager Chris Brady

Sundt’s joint-venture with Stacy and Witbeck is going from one side of Valley Metro Rail to the other.

The latest project is a 1.9-mile extension on Main Street from Mesa Drive to Gilbert Road. The Gilbert Road extension is taking place east of the Central Mesa portion that added 3.1 miles of rail service in August 2015. The work completed on the Northwest Extension in March 2016 added 3.2 miles of service totaling 26 miles operating in Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe.

“We’re bringing our successes and knowledge to the next project,” said Preconstruction Manager Jeff Hamilton.

The JV was chosen for the project last October and has spent the past year in pre-construction. Some of that work has involved partnering with businesses along the lines to set the stage for minimal disruptions.

“They want to make sure they remain visible during construction and we will work with them every step of the way,” Jeff said.

The first phase of work started this week and includes demolition and utility relocation. The second phase will involve construction of the track, two stations and a park-and ride.

One unique feature of the work will be construction of a roundabout at the Main Street and Horne Road intersection. The roundabout is intended to reduce traffic wait times and encourage a smoother flow of traffic in the area.

“There’s only one other light rail system in the country with this type of roundabout feature incorporated into the design,” Jeff said. “That’s the marquee component of this job.”