Phoenix
The 1.4-mile Capitol Extension will connect with the existing Valley Metro Rail system in downtown Phoenix to the State Capitol.
The 1.4-mile Capitol Extension will provide an important connection between the downtown core and the Arizona State Capitol. Integrating with the existing Valley Metro Rail system at 3rd Avenue, the route extends west on Washington Street, turns south on 19th Avenue and then loops back to downtown along Jefferson Street.
This project will bring together state, regional and local agencies, as well as community partners, and energize the downtown and State Capitol areas.
Recent updates:
- Based on community input and technical analysis, the project team recommended a new Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) that was approved by Phoenix City Council and the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in November 2021 (see Route Map on Map tab).
- Preliminary engineering (PE) work is now underway to develop early construction plans and technical specifications for the extension. PE work will produce a reasonable cost estimate, identify any technical issues that may occur during construction and provide a basis for the final design phase.
- The project team is also beginning preparations for the federally-required Environmental Assessment in 2023.
The Capitol Extension was originally known as "Phase I" of the Capitol/I-10 West Extension, approved by the Phoenix City Council and Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in 2016. To learn more about the project’s history, see the Background tab.
The Capitol Extension was originally known as "Phase I" of the Capitol/I-10 West Extension, approved by the Phoenix City Council and Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in 2016. “Phase II” is now known as the I-10 West Extension. Both projects are part of Phoenix’s T2050 plan, which was approved by voters in 2015. Learn more about T-2050 here.
1978: I-10 median designated for transit
2000: Voters pass Phoenix Transit Plan, which includes light rail from downtown Phoenix to 79th Ave generally along Interstate 10
2004: County voters pass Proposition 400, which includes 11-mile “West Phoenix” transit corridor
2007: Alternatives Analysis and public input began
2008: Downtown and Mainline community working groups formed
2012: Initial Environmental Assessment for full Capitol/I-10 West Extension began; public involvement continues; Locally Preferred Alternative approved
2015: Voters pass Transportation 2050 plan
2016: Phoenix City Council approves two-phase project; Phase I (now the Capitol Extension) is reevaluated
2017: South Central Extension/Downtown Hub provides opportunity to re-examine options to connect to the Capitol Extension
2019: Phoenix City Council asks Valley Metro to gather additional public input on new proposed routes and phasing
2021: Phoenix City Council and Valley Metro Board of Directors approved a revised Locally Preferred Alternative
2021: The project team begins the Preliminary Engineering phase of project development
The 1.4-mile Capitol Extension will provide an important connection between the downtown core and the Arizona State Capitol. Integrating with the existing Valley Metro Rail system at 3rd Avenue, the route extends west on Washington Street, turns south on 19th Avenue and then loops back to downtown along Jefferson Street.
This project will bring together state, regional and local agencies, as well as community partners, and energize the downtown and State Capitol areas.
Recent updates:
- Based on community input and technical analysis, the project team recommended a new Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) that was approved by Phoenix City Council and the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in November 2021 (see Route Map on Map tab).
- Preliminary engineering (PE) work is now underway to develop early construction plans and technical specifications for the extension. PE work will produce a reasonable cost estimate, identify any technical issues that may occur during construction and provide a basis for the final design phase.
- The project team is also beginning preparations for the federally-required Environmental Assessment in 2023.
The Capitol Extension was originally known as "Phase I" of the Capitol/I-10 West Extension, approved by the Phoenix City Council and Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in 2016. To learn more about the project’s history, see the Background tab.
The Capitol Extension was originally known as "Phase I" of the Capitol/I-10 West Extension, approved by the Phoenix City Council and Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in 2016. “Phase II” is now known as the I-10 West Extension. Both projects are part of Phoenix’s T2050 plan, which was approved by voters in 2015. Learn more about T-2050 here.
1978: I-10 median designated for transit
2000: Voters pass Phoenix Transit Plan, which includes light rail from downtown Phoenix to 79th Ave generally along Interstate 10
2004: County voters pass Proposition 400, which includes 11-mile “West Phoenix” transit corridor
2007: Alternatives Analysis and public input began
2008: Downtown and Mainline community working groups formed
2012: Initial Environmental Assessment for full Capitol/I-10 West Extension began; public involvement continues; Locally Preferred Alternative approved
2015: Voters pass Transportation 2050 plan
2016: Phoenix City Council approves two-phase project; Phase I (now the Capitol Extension) is reevaluated
2017: South Central Extension/Downtown Hub provides opportunity to re-examine options to connect to the Capitol Extension
2019: Phoenix City Council asks Valley Metro to gather additional public input on new proposed routes and phasing
2021: Phoenix City Council and Valley Metro Board of Directors approved a revised Locally Preferred Alternative
2021: The project team begins the Preliminary Engineering phase of project development
