Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly have announced that the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has approved $638m for the South Central Light Rail Extension project in Phoenix, Arizona.
The federal funding will help in building a 5.5mile extension from downtown Phoenix to the South Mountain Village Core.
As agreed, the project will receive $530m from the US Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through its Capitol Investment Grants Program and $108m from the Federal Highway Administration.
The extension project, which is expected to create nearly 23,000 jobs, includes construction of a Downtown Hub that will create a two-line light rail system.
The project works also include track improvements along McKinley Street, 5th Street, and 3rd Avenue in downtown Phoenix as well as expansion of the existing operations and maintenance centre.
It also involves acquisition of 17 light rail vehicles and the construction of two park as well as ride lots.
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By GlobalDataOnce complete, the project will provide connectivity to the Arizona State University (downtown and main campuses), downtown Phoenix, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Senator Sinema said: “Today’s funding announcement of the South Central Light Rail Expansion will create jobs, expand transportation options, and grow Arizona’s economy.
“I’ll continue working to increase infrastructure investment in our state and create opportunities for all Arizonans.”
The trains are planned to operate at a frequency of 12 minutes during most of the weekdays and every 20 minutes during late night and early morning hours. On the weekends, the trains are expected to operate at a frequency every 15 to 20 minutes.
Senator Kelly said: “By connecting South Phoenix with the rest of the Valley Metro light rail, this project will give folks a reliable transportation option and increase economic opportunity.
“These are the kinds of job-creating infrastructure investments that are critical to the future of our state and I will prioritise in the Senate.”
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The light rail will run from downtown Phoenix to the South Mountain Village Core. (Credit: City of Phoenix.)