Valley Metro to note milestone in Central Mesa light-rail extension

Tomorrow, Valley Metro officials will recognize a milestone in the Central Mesa light-rail extension by holding a rail-welding ceremony in Mesa, Ariz.

The ceremony will mark the half-way point of the project, which will extend light rail eastbound by 3.1 miles on Main Street from Sycamore Street to Mesa Drive, agency officials said in a press release.

"The light rail extension through downtown Mesa is a game changer for our community," Mayor Scott Smith said. "The welding of this first piece of rail is the next step in our downtown’s transformation to the more urban lifestyle our residents seek."

Welding the first stick of rail in the guideway "is a significant milestone" in the project, added Valley Metro Chief Executive Officer Steve Banta.