In an effort to reduce traffic and improve access to major activity centers in the Phoenix area, Valley Metro Rail undertook a new 20-mile light rail transit (LRT) starter system. It includes five track segments, 28 stations, a bridge over Tempe Town Lake, a maintenance facility and eight park and ride facilities.
Related Information |
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The first segment of the LRT system opened in December 2008 and is expected to be a beneficial alternative transportation mode in this high-density, high-employment area. Ridership is expected to grow from 26,000 to 50,000 daily by 2020. The system will significantly reduce the number of congested roadways and decrease unhealthy pollutants by more than 12 tons a day. Supportive land uses developed near stations that offer goods and services to riders will enhance its use.
Unique Features |
» | New LRT starter system |
» | 25 miles long |
» | Five track segments |
In a joint venture, HDR serves as the program management consultant to Valley Metro Rail. In this role, HDR managed the preparation of the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements that resulted in a favorable Record of Decision by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The team was also responsible for the development of the FTA's annual "New Starts" report to justify the LRT project and secure the $587 million Full Funding Grant Agreement.
As the program management consultant, the HDR team provides staff to manage the planning, engineering, architecture, real estate and utilities components of this $1.3 billion project. Our staff is also responsible for leading, implementing and conducting the project’s public involvement and coordination program.
In addition, HDR designed Segment 5, the longest (5.4 miles) and arguably the most technically challenging segment. It begins at the connection with the Tempe Town Lake Bridge, runs through the campus of Arizona State University, and extends east to the current end of the line near the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa at Longmore Drive. The alignment runs on both existing city streets and abandoned railroad right-of-way. HDR was responsible for integrating the design team's activities, with work such as station finishes, park and rides, traction power, communications and signals completed by other project teams.