Mesa
The Gilbert Road Extension extends light rail on Main Street from Mesa Drive to Gilbert Road in Mesa. At Gilbert Road, there are significant transit connections and the ability to serve the growing transit demand in the East Valley. This extension is attracting new riders and will increase development opportunities in central Mesa.
Images from the Gilbert Road Extension Opening Celebration, May 18, 2019
On May 18, 2019, officials and over 1,000 people from the local community welcomed the first train into the new Gilbert Rd/Main St light rail station. The 1.9-mile Gilbert Road light rail extension opened to serve residents in Mesa and connect people to jobs, school and entertainment across the now 28 miles of light rail service across Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix. The extension, which includes the light rail system’s first roundabout at Horne and Main Street, broke ground in October 2016. It includes a station at Stapley Drive and a transit center with bus service and a park-and-ride at Gilbert Road. Learn more about the roundabout here.
In addition to the capital investment, light rail brings with it new infrastructure such as freshly paved streets, new sidewalks and natural landscaping. Public art is also an important part of the Valley Metro Rail system. Artists bring a unique level of craft, detail, history and beauty to each light rail station and transit facility. They also work to preserve the culture of the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Since light rail opened in Mesa, it’s been a force for revival and renewal,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Not only does it provide options for our residents to reach important destinations, it has resulted in $240 million of completed economic development projects with more on the way. Without light rail, investment on this scale, over the past few years, would not have occurred.”
In 2011, Valley Metro initiated the Gilbert Road Extension study. It identified and evaluated various ways light rail could be placed within Main Street. In 2012, Valley Metro entered the environmental phase of the study, which included further review of design options and locations of the stations and park-and-ride. A preferred design option was adopted by the Mesa City Council, in April 2013. The project’s environmental review was completed in 2014 and the final design team kicked off their efforts in August 2015.
On May 18, 2019, officials and over 1,000 people from the local community welcomed the first train into the new Gilbert Rd/Main St light rail station. The 1.9-mile Gilbert Road light rail extension opened to serve residents in Mesa and connect people to jobs, school and entertainment across the now 28 miles of light rail service across Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix. The extension, which includes the light rail system’s first roundabout at Horne and Main Street, broke ground in October 2016. It includes a station at Stapley Drive and a transit center with bus service and a park-and-ride at Gilbert Road. Learn more about the roundabout here.
In addition to the capital investment, light rail brings with it new infrastructure such as freshly paved streets, new sidewalks and natural landscaping. Public art is also an important part of the Valley Metro Rail system. Artists bring a unique level of craft, detail, history and beauty to each light rail station and transit facility. They also work to preserve the culture of the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Since light rail opened in Mesa, it’s been a force for revival and renewal,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Not only does it provide options for our residents to reach important destinations, it has resulted in $240 million of completed economic development projects with more on the way. Without light rail, investment on this scale, over the past few years, would not have occurred.”
In 2011, Valley Metro initiated the Gilbert Road Extension study. It identified and evaluated various ways light rail could be placed within Main Street. In 2012, Valley Metro entered the environmental phase of the study, which included further review of design options and locations of the stations and park-and-ride. A preferred design option was adopted by the Mesa City Council, in April 2013. The project’s environmental review was completed in 2014 and the final design team kicked off their efforts in August 2015.
Contacts
Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator to receive project updates:
Michael Book
Community Outreach Coordinator