South Central Extension/Downtown Hub

What is the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub?

The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub is more than just a train; it’s a way to bring new opportunities and connections to South Phoenix residents. It’s a catalyst for positive change.

The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub will connect with the current light rail system in downtown Phoenix and operate south to Baseline Road. The project also includes a hub in downtown Phoenix, new stations and public art.

Today, more than 45,000 riders rely on light rail each day. Light rail has proven to generate economic prosperity for historically underserved communities in metro Phoenix.

Light rail makes the unique offerings of South Phoenix more accessible to others, attracting new customers, businesses and jobs to the area. In 2016, the Phoenix City Council approved advancing the opening date of the extension from 2034 to 2023. The advancement is funded through Transportation 2050, a 35-year, multi-modal transportation plan approved by Phoenix voters, and is expected to open for operations in 2024.

Stats

Map

South Central Extension/Downtown Hub route description

The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project will begin at McKinley Street between 1st Avenue and Central Avenue creating a loop to the existing Valley Metro Rail. It will continue south on Central Avenue to Baseline Road.

In addition, the new light rail extension will add a Downtown Hub between Washington Street and Jefferson Street. The 3rd Avenue loop will connect to the future Capitol/I-10 West Light Rail Extension Project.

This extension will connect to places like:

• St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
• St. Vincent de Paul
• Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
• Ed Pastor Transit Center
• Travis L. Williams Family Services Center
• St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church.

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 is deploying an additional construction crew on the project during this time of decreased public activity. Kiewit 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/southcentral
• Download the app: Construct VM
• Follow us on Facebook: valleymetroconstruction

Upcoming Construction Activities

Light rail construction on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project continues downtown and begins soon along south Central Avenue. At the end of June, construction will begin along Central Avenue south of Lincoln Street. In the first phase of construction in this area, community members may see some of the following traffic impacts:

• One lane maintained in each direction on Central Avenue
• Limited turns on Central 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 a Community Outreach or Business Assistance Coordinator.

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

• Download the Construct VM app available in Apple App and Google Play stores
• Visit the project webpage: valleymetro.org/southcentral
• Call Hotline: 602.254.RAIL (7245)
• Contact one of your Valley Metro Community Outreach Coordinators:
  • Julie Cruz (McKinely – Lincoln)
    • jcruz@valleymetro.org | 602.495.8274
  • Julie Smith (Lincoln – Baseline)
    • jmsmith@valleymetro.org | 602.744.5563

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

Six Month Construction Outlook

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

Downtown Area Construction Outlook

• Zone 6 (Zone 6 is the downtown hub area that consists of Washington Street and Jefferson Street between 3rd Avenue and 2nd Street): Utility relocation continues through June 2021.
• Zone 7 (Zone 7 consists of 1st Avenue and Central Avenue between Madison Street and Lincoln Street): Utility relocation continues through June 2021.
• Zone 8 (Zone 8 consists of 5th Street between Washington Street and Jefferson Street): Track and electrical installation work continues through June 2021.
• Zone 9 (Zone 9 consists of McKinley Street and Central Avenue): Track and electrical installation work to begin February 2021 and continue through June 2021.

Southern Area Construction Outlook

• Zone 1 (Zone 1 begins at Lincoln Street and continues to Pima Street): Utility relocation continues through June 2021. Electrical installation work to begin in March 2021 and continue through June 2021.
• Zone 2 (Zone 2 begins at Pima Street and continues to Elwood Street):Utility relocation continues through June 2021. Electrical installation work to begin in April 2021 and continue through June 2021.
• Zone 3 (Zone 3 begins at Elwood Street and continue to Roeser Road): Utility relocation continues through June 2021.
• Zone 4 (Zone 4 begins at Roeser Road and continues to Carter Road): Utility relocation continues through June 2021.
• Zone 5 (Zone 5 begins at Carter Road and continues to end of the alignment to Baseline Road): Utility relocation continues through June 2021..

For more detailed information regarding upcoming construction activities, refer to the construction look ahead schedule and construction notices to the right of the screen.

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. 
• Downtown Hub: This portion was added to the overall project in 2017 to allow regional rail operations and enable convenient transfers. See the Downtown Hub area track and station locations. 
• Contacts: Community Outreach and Business Assistance staff are available to answer your questions. See the Contact tab for staff contact information.

Small Businesses: Financial Assistance is Available!

Valley Metro and the city of Phoenix have opened the Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP). Funded by the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Community Development and Investment Corporation, this one-year pilot 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 $500,000

Application:

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

Deals and Discounts Map

Check out our interactive map to learn more about exclusive deals when you visit participating businesses along the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project route.

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!

"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

Engineers of the Future

Valley Metro, along with its partner firm PGH Wong Engineering, launched a digital STEM-focused program, Engineers of the Future Virtual Learning Program. This unique and free online program expands learning opportunities for all students in the Phoenix area. Students will be able to 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. Find out more information and watch virtual lessons, here. 

"Engineers of the Future has helped me understand math better and do better in my classes, too,” said Jasmine Romero, Engineers of the Future student from Cesar Chavez Community School.

Engineers of the Future Virtual Learning Program Video:

Career Development

Implemented through Kiewit, 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 or by visiting the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Community Office located at 5040 S Central Ave., Phoenix, to speak with a workforce development specialist on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Fridays by appointment. 

Current Job Openings

Kiewit is hiring for Valley Metro's South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project and other Phoenix-based projects. Kiewit and ARIZONA@WORK are hosting virtual hiring events live on their Facebook page at Construction Works AZ the last Monday of every month at 10 a.m. to:

• Highlight open positions
• Connect you to subcontractors and unions
• Showcase careers in construction

Each month 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 at anytime. You can view all recorded virtual hiring events here at anytime.

Any further questions about available positions with Valley Metro or on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub team, please email Flor Mason.

Community Opportunities Video:

Coffee with Kiewit

Starting October 14, attend the second Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. and learn more about the latest construction updates on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project. Log in at coffeewithkiewit.com or call 602.666.0783 to participate. Enter access code 126 875 6874 when prompted.

At the Coffee with Kiewit events, you will:

• Learn more about Kiewit
• Meet with Kiewit's construction team and other stakeholders
• Join the conversation and find answers to your questions
• Stay connected with Kiewit and the project

For more details, please see 'Upcoming Events' on the right hand side of this page or Valley Metro events page.

2019 South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Summer Internship Program

In July 2019, 10 high school students will graduate from the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Summer Internship program. The eight-week program provided opportunities for students to learn more about careers in planning, architecture and engineering. It also included a hands-on lab experience at South Mountain Community College. Twenty-nine applications were received in early April, more than twice the number from the 2018 Summer Internship program. Each will earn a $1,000 stipend for completing the program.

"Don't doubt yourself and not apply because you think you won't make it and don't be afraid of meeting new people because you meet and learn a lot of things that you won't just find out on research and Googling." 2018 Student Intern