Northwest Extension Phase II

Current Status

• Representatives from the city of Phoenix are nearing completion of the real estate acquisition process.
• The first phase of construction work, utility relocations and roadway widening continues in various locations along the route.
• Bridge construction continues with work on both the east and west sides of the I-17 light rail bridges, as well as on the Arizona Canal Bridge.
• Construction on the Arizona Canal Diversion Channel bridge will begin in late 2021.
• Coordination and collaboration continues with local area community groups, business owners and residents.
• The Construction Advisory Board meets on a monthly basis to provide direct input to Valley Metro and the construction contractor about how the construction activities are affecting the adjacent community.

Northwest Extension Phase II Construction Schedule PDF

Next Steps

• Two-way traffic currently on the south side of Dunlap Avenue will move to the north side in late 2021.
• I-17 and Arizona Canal Diversion Channel bridges construction will continue through 2022. Expect traffic restrictions for future bridge construction activities.

What is the Northwest Extension Phase II project?

The Northwest Extension Phase II project will connect Valley Metro’s light rail system from 19th and Dunlap avenues and extend it 1.6 miles to the former Metrocenter Mall area in Phoenix. The project also includes new stations, including the system’s first elevated station, and public art.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 50,000 riders rode on Valley Metro light rail trains each day. Light rail has proven to generate economic prosperity for communities along the light rail route in metro Phoenix. Light rail makes the unique offerings of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa more accessible to others, attracting new customers, businesses and jobs to the area.

In 2004, the Phoenix City Council approved the Northwest Extension to extend light rail from 19th Ave/Montebello to 25th Ave. and Mountain View Rd. In 2007, the route was divided into two phases. The 3.2-mile Phase I on 19th Ave. from Montebello to Dunlap Ave. opened on March 19, 2016.

In 2016, the Phoenix City Council approved accelerating segments of the future high-capacity/light rail transit system. With the acceleration, Northwest Phase II will open in 2024 rather than 2026. The advancement is funded by Transportation 2050, a 35-year, multi-modal transportation plan approved by the Phoenix voters in 2015. Learn more about T2050 here.

Stats

Map

Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II route description

The Northwest Phase II light rail project will begin where the line currently ends at 19th Avenue and Dunlap Avenue. It will continue along Dunlap Avenue and then turn north onto 25th Avenue and turn west onto Mountain View Road. From there it will cross the I-17 Freeway and the extension will end at the former Metrocenter Mall.

Schedule

Construction and COVID-19

As construction continues, the project team and construction crews are adhering to current guidelines about health and safety protocols.

“Stay at Home” policies have caused decreased activity in public places and on city streets, creating opportunities to look at ways to optimize construction work. While public health guidance limits the number of workers in a single crew, construction contractor Kiewit-McCarthy, A Joint Venture (KMJV), is deploying an additional construction crew on the project during this time of decreased public activity. KMJV will continue to evaluate any additional opportunities to optimize work during this time, maintaining as a priority the health and safety of community members, the traveling public and construction workers.

As always, Valley Metro will notify stakeholders in advance of any additional construction near businesses or residences.

For more information:

• Visit the website: valleymetro.org/northwest2
• Follow us on Facebook: valleymetroconstruction

Upcoming Construction Activities

Light rail construction on the Northwest Extension Phase II project continues on the south side of Dunlap Avenue (between 19th and 25th avenues), 25th Avenue (between Dunlap Avenue and Mountain View Road), along Mountain View Road (between 25th Avenue and I-17), and on the east side of the former Metrocenter Mall parking lot area. The project is nearing completion this summer of the first phase of construction, community members may see some of the following traffic impacts:

• One lane maintained in each direction on Dunlap Avenue
• Business and pedestrian access maintained

Safety – for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and construction workers – is a top priority. Please be extra careful when traveling in the construction zones.

• Plan your trip. The Construction Notices area on this page provides the latest information on construction activity and traffic restrictions.
• Remember to stay alert and follow the posted traffic signals and signs during construction.
• For everyone’s safety, please do not approach workers in a construction zone. If you have questions regarding the project, contact the Community Outreach or Business Assistance Coordinator.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news and information, please:

• Visit the project webpage: valleymetro.org/northwest2
• Call Hotline: (602) 254-RAIL (7245)
• Contact the project’s Valley Metro Community Outreach Coordinator:
  • Michael Book
    mbook@valleymetro.org
    (602) 256-5811

Please see the information below for more details on upcoming construction activities.

Six Month Construction Outlook

All information is subject to change due to nature of work in different areas and/or unforeseen circumstances.

Upcoming Schedule 2022

Activities anticipated for the next six months

• Dunlap Avenue
  • Dunlap Avenue (north side)No construction activity (both traffic lanes located on north side)
  • Utility relocation and road widening continues through July
  • Light rail tracks placement and station construction will begin in summer 2022
• 25th Avenue
  • Utility relocation April through July
  • Arizona Canal Diversion Channel bridgework continues through July
  • Roadway grading and paving continues through July
  • Construction on the Arizona Canal Diversion Channel bridge will be completed in spring 2022
  • Light rail tracks placement and station construction will begin in summer 2022
• Mountain View Road
  • I-17 bridges construction continues through July
  • Light rail tracks placement and station construction will begin in summer 2022
• Metrocenter Mall
  • Construction of the light rail bridges over I-17 will continue into 2023; expect overnight freeway restrictions in this area throughout 2022 and 2023

Project construction is estimated to be complete in late 2023

Looking for More?

• Business Assistance: Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix have developed extensive programs to provide business assistance before and throughout construction. See the Business Assistance tab for more details.
• Contacts: Community Outreach and Business Assistance staff are available to answer your questions. See the Contact tab for staff contact information.

Our interactive map showing exclusive deals when you visit participating businesses along the project route. Enter your business information here to participate.

Valley Metro is committed to the well-being of the communities we serve. We know that state and federal guidance seeking to limit the spread of COVID-19 may affect your shopping routines. Here are some tips for continuing to support local businesses during this time:

• Order online or over the phone from local shops.
• Order takeout or delivery for local restaurants.
• If you typically make larger purchases with local retailers later in the year, place your orders now.
• If you do not need anything specific now, buy gift cards from local businesses to use later.
• Purchase gift cards from local restaurants.
• Share this post and information widely so others know how to help!

Small Businesses:
Financial Assistance is Available!

Valley Metro and the city of Phoenix have opened the second year of the Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP). Funded by the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Community Development and Investment Corporation, this program provides direct financial assistance to locally owned, small businesses immediately adjacent to light rail construction.

The SBFAP offers two tiers of assistance, depending on several criteria. In Tier I, businesses can receive $3,000 and in Tier II, businesses can receive up to $9,000. SBFAP funds may be used for business operations expenses, including rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, payroll.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Own a business directly on the construction route
• Employ 15 or fewer people
• Have annual revenue of no more than $750,000

Application:

The program administrator, Prestamos CDFI LLC, is now accepting applications for the program. Visit the SBFAP program website: prestamosloans.org/valleymetro. 

Learn about Valley Metro's
Business Consulting Services

Free business consulting services are available to businesses along the route in a variety of areas, including marketing and advertising, website and online presence, accounting and finance, human resources, and general business operations, at no charge to the business.

"The business assistance team has sponsored many events to highlight and promote local businesses. They have always responded quickly to questions, concerns and occasional disruptions."

Jose O'Rubio
Grullo's Restaurant | 1110 E. Main St. | Mesa, AZ 85203

"Long term construction always has its difficulties, but Valley Metro has gone above and beyond to promote area businesses. Their free advertising mailer and community events have been a great assist to my practice and has helped our business community develop helpful long-term relationships that will last long after the project is finished."

Richard S. Ray, DC
Ray Chiropractic Center | 62 N Stapley Dr | Mesa, AZ 85203

Career Development

Implemented through Kiewit-McCarthy, A Joint Venture (Valley Metro's construction contractor), a variety of education and employment programs help connect local residents and companies to construction business opportunities, increase the skills of current employees and communicate the benefits of construction careers. The program also includes craft and small business training designed to increase local construction capacity. Quarterly workshops offer opportunities to share lessons learned and build real connections with subcontractors.

Learn more about construction careers with Kiewit by emailing PHXLightRailJobs@kiewit.com.

Current Job Openings

Kiewit-McCarthy, A Joint Venture, is hiring for Valley Metro's Northwest Extension Phase II light rail project and other Phoenix-based projects. Kiewit and ARIZONA@WORK are hosting virtual hiring events live on their Facebook page at Construction Works AZ once each quarter to:

• Highlight open positions

• Connect you to subcontractors and unions

• Showcase careers in construction

Each session features guest speakers, including craft workers, union reps, subcontractor employers and workforce development organizations. Viewer questions will be answered at each session. To register text "KIEWIT" to 602.755.4333. All virtual hiring events are recorded and posted for you to view. You can view all recorded virtual hiring events here.

Any further questions about available positions with Valley Metro or on the Northwest Extension Phase II team, please email Michael Book.

Engineers of the Future

Valley Metro, along with its engineer partner firm PGH Wong Engineering, Inc., goes digital with the Engineers of the Future Virtual Learning Program. This unique free online program expands learning opportunities through STEM-based lessons for all students in Phoenix.

Our students learn remotely from Valley Metro engineer-mentors through videoed lessons, and transportation-themed project builds. Our young engineers will also take virtual field trips to Valley Metro Light Rail construction sites and watch special guest lectures to learn more about STEM careers.

Engineers of the Future is offered to the community as part of the South Central/Downtown Hub and Northwest Extension Phase II light rail projects Workforce Development Program. View program details here.

Transportation YOU AZ

Transportation YOU is a hands-on, interactive, mentoring program that offers young women ages 13-18 an introduction to a wide variety of transportation careers.

During the school year, there has been one event scheduled per month and generally alternate between an inspirational speaker and a transportation facility tour. In addition, we select one active program participant from the program to attend the annual Transportation YOU conference in Washington DC in June. There is no cost to the school or the students for the speakers, tours (except cost of transportation to get students there) or for the student who is selected for the Washington DC trip.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all speakers and tours will be held in a virtual format rather than in person in a classroom setting. Students are encouraged to attend the live session to be interactive with the presenters; however, the virtual events are recorded for viewing as well. Note the program is geared towards girls, but boys can attend the virtual speaker sessions. View program details and see past recorded events here.