Valley Metro to kick off testing along Northwest light-rail extension

Valley Metro on Wednesday is slated to begin vehicle and system testing on the Northwest Phoenix light-rail extension.

As part of the testing, trains will begin moving on 19th Avenue from Montebello Avenue to Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix.

Testing allows for a full inspection of the system, including track and overhead wire, along with operations staff training.

The 3.2-mile, $300 million extension is slated to open in March 2016.