Phoenix postpones Northeast light-rail extension

The Phoenix City Council yesterday voted to delay Valley Metro's Northeast light-rail extension as the city looks for funds to repair local roads.

Delaying the light-rail project is expected to free up additional money for the city over time, The Arizona Republic reported.

The council's decision is likely to kill the light-rail project, the newspaper reported, citing council officials.

The 12-mile line, which was slated to open in 2036, would have connected downtown Phoenix and the Paradise Valley Mall.

The decision follows the Phoenix City Council's vote last week voted to build Valley Metro's 5.5-mile South Central light-rail extension as planned.

Meanwhile, the council also opted to obtain a $200 million advance from the $31.5 billion Transportation 2050 plan, which local voters approved in 2015. The plan includes funding for street repairs and major transit projects, including some light-rail extensions.