The U.S. Department of Transportation provided a USD 638 million grant for the construction of Phoenix South Central LRT implemented by Valley Metro.
The funding is provided through a grant agreement from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and is representing the federal financial support for the project.
Through the FTA’s Capital Investment Grants programme, USD 530 million will be delivered while USD 108 million will be covered by the Federal Highway Administration.
The “funding announcement of the South Central light rail expansion will create jobs, expand transport options, and grow Arizona’s economy. This is a significant investment in South Phoenix and the entire Valley. By connecting South Phoenix with the rest of the Valley Metro light rail, this project will give folks a reliable transport option and increase economic opportunity,” Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema said.
The Phoenix South Central LRT project consists of the construction of an 8.8 km (5.5 miles) line served by 8 stations from the city’s centre to m to the South Mountain Village Core via Central Avenue and 1st Avenue. The line will create a loop to the existing Valley Metro Rail. It will continue south on Central Avenue to Baseline Road and will connect with the current light rail system in downtown Phoenix and operate south to Baseline Road. The project also includes a hub in downtown Phoenix, new stations and public art.
The Covid-19 pandemic does not affect the construction works that continue to implement the project, while the construction crews are adhering to current guidelines about health and safety protocols.
The project is scheduled to be opened in 2024.
In addition, the new light rail extension will add a Downtown Hub between Washington Street and Jefferson Street. The 3rd Avenue loop will connect to the future 10-km Capitol/I-10 West Light Rail extension project, from Phoenix to the Capitol area expected to be completed in 2024.
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