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Yesterday, Valley Metro and local officials marked the start of construction of a 3.1-mile light-rail line extension into downtown Mesa, Ariz.

The event signified the first construction activity and extension of the existing 20-mile light-rail line in Phoenix, Tempe and a mile into Mesa that opened in December 2008, Valley Metro officials said in a prepared statement.

“This is a major milestone not only for Mesa, but for the region,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.  “This expansion will create a destination that is unique in the Valley and also offers great opportunity for economic growth.”

The Central Mesa design-build team, Valley Transit Constructors, is slated to start construction in mid-June. The first phase involves utility relocation.