Temporary schedule in effect for Valley Metro Rail—begins Dec. 21

Construction continues to progress on Tempe Streetcar as the 2021 opening date moves closer. Crews are now preparing for a technically challenging part of the project: installing special trackwork that allows streetcar to cross over the existing light rail tracks.

Because of this part of construction, from Dec. 21, 2019 through Jan. 5, 2020, all light rail trains are estimated to arrive at platforms every 24 minutes during the entire service day. Typically, light rail service operates every 12 minutes on weekdays during peak hours, so riders will need to plan ahead to ensure timely arrival at their destinations. View the schedule that will be in effect during the two-week period at valleymetro.org/pardonourprogress.

The work will occur at two locations along the streetcar route, 3rd Street/Mill Avenue and 3rd Street/Ash Avenue. To safely complete this phase of the project, both eastbound and westbound trains will “single-track,” during this period. When single-tracking, trains will alternate using one of the two tracks between the 50th St/Washington and Veterans Way/College Ave stations.

The Tempe Streetcar construction project team developed this work plan based on safety, ability to maintain traffic, construction scheduling and most importantly, minimizing impacts to riders.

About Valley Metro: Valley Metro provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County including the planning and operations of a regional bus system and 28 miles of light rail. In Fiscal Year 2019, total ridership for the system was 64 million passengers. Five high capacity transit extensions are in planning or under construction that will create a 50-mile system by 2030. Valley Metro also offers transit options including alternative transportation programs for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two Boards of Directors from 19 local cities, towns and the county set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system. Get the latest news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visiting valleymetro.org.