The Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors unanimously approved Stacy and Witbeck Inc. as the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) for the new 50th Street light rail station. The project is made possible by Transportation 2050 and is the first capital element to be implemented by Phoenix’s voter-approved initiative.
Construction of the first new station along the existing system will serve the communities and future development near 50th Street and Washington. The $23 million station will provide access to the Ability 360 facility and the neighboring business community, as well as support transit-oriented development planned for the area. Ability 360 offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.
“Adding this light rail stop near Ability360 provides a place-making opportunity for a community that seriously benefits from public transit,” Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said. “We know that this stop will improve the transportation experience for individuals who use wheelchairs, white canes and other assistive devices, and will be inclusively designed with those residents in mind.”
“Without the support of Phoenix voters passing Phoenix Transportation 2050 we would not have been able to move forward with the design and construction of this very much needed station at 50th Street,” Stanton added.
Stacy and Witbeck, along with project partner Sundt, constructed a 10-mile segment of the original 20 miles of light rail that opened in 2008 and the 3.1-mile Northwest Phoenix Extension that opened earlier this year. Gannett Fleming, Inc. is actively working on station design along with landscape architecture and urban design firm, Dig Studio. Dig Studio won top honors at Mayor Stanton’s PHX Innovation Games series last year. Artist Barbara Grygutis, known for her work in transforming pedestrian and transportation environments, is selected as station artist.
“The disability community is extremely excited about the future light rail stop at 50th Street and Washington,” said Phil Pangrazio, president & CEO of Ability360. “Its presence will vastly improve access to the Ability360 Center and Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center. The thousands of people with disabilities that come to the center each year will soon have convenient and easy access via the light rail system. We are thrilled about the positive impact this is going to make.”
Groundbreaking for the new station is anticipated in early 2017. It is scheduled to open for service in 2019. A special community kick-off celebration will be held in fall of 2016.
