Valley Metro Rail Gilbert Road Extension

  • Location:

    Mesa, Arizona

  • Client:

    Valley Metro

  • Construction Value:

    $117,048,933

  • Delivery Method:

    Construction Manager at Risk

  • Year Completed:

    2019

  • Specialties:

    Light Rail

Features & Highlights

  • 1.9 miles added to existing 26-mile light rail system
  • First four-legged roundabout in the U.S. to incorporate a train
  • 2 new stations and 1 park-and-ride with a transit center
  • 909,205 pounds of rebar and 9,177 cubic yards of concrete in track slab
Project Overview

The Valley Metro Rail system is a monumental undertaking that spans across Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. Over 15 years, with joint-venture partner Stacey and Witbeck, Sundt has built a maintenance and operations facility, more than half of the initial 20-mile track, line sections 4 and 5, and the Northwest Extension Phase I—all winners of national industry awards. The $117 million Gilbert Road Extension, expands the light rail from just east of Mesa Drive to Gilbert Road, helping address the growing transit demand in the East Valley, attracting new riders and increasing development opportunities in central Mesa.

The extension adds 1.9 miles to the Valley Metro Rail system. It is expected to boost overall ridership by an estimated 2,700 boardings per weekday and is currently at 2,300 per weekday. The roundabout creates better traffic flow for cars, bikes and pedestrians, while eliminating the need for traffic signals. Additional features include two traction power substations and various site improvements to Main Street, such as utility relocations, overhead power conversion to underground duct bank, drainage upgrades, and landscape and aesthetic improvements.

“Since light rail opened in Mesa, it’s been a force for revival and renewal. Not only does it provide options for our residents to reach important destinations, it has resulted in $240 million of completed economic development projects with more on the way. Without light rail, investment on this scale over the past few years would not have occurred.”

John Giles, Mayor of Mesa

Contacts

Awards & Accolades

2020 AGC Build America Award, Merit Winner – Highway & Transportation

2019 ASU Metis Center Sustainable Infrastructure Award