Valley Metro begins Phoenix light-rail construction

Valley Metro last week began construction on the 5.5-mile South Central light-rail extension in downtown Phoenix.

Crews began identifying underground utilities to prepare for extensive improvements, Valley Metro officials said in a press release. 

For every linear foot of trackway installed, six linear feet of wet utilities — including water, sewer and storm drains — will be removed, relocated or upgraded, agency officials said. 

The project’s new infrastructure will include nine stations, dedicated bicycle lanes, 21 new bus pullouts, rebuilt sidewalks, repaved streets and 160 new trees along south Central Avenue. 

During construction, Valley Metro will share construction information through a project-specific mobile application so area businesses and residents can receive activity notifications and submit questions. 

The agency will also upload construction information into the Waze navigation app so locals can view traffic restrictions in real-time.