The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
The 5.5 mile South Central Extension to the Phoenix light rail system is slated to open June 7, reports Taylor Seely for Arizona Republic. The line was originally scheduled to open in 2023, but pandemic-related supply chain and workforce disruptions cause delays.
Construction work for the new line also included enhanced bike lanes, shade structures, new drought-tolerant landscaping, and public art along the corridor.
According to a statement from Valley Metro, “The extension ... is expected to add more than 8,000 daily riders to the light rail system, which currently serves approximately 35,000 boardings per day.” The extension connects the historically underserved communities of south Phoenix with downtown and neighboring Mesa.
During construction, the city sought to mitigate economic losses for local businesses through a grant program that supported small businesses along the corridor.
Read the full story: South Phoenix light rail extension to open soon. Here's when
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