Valley Metro’s Tempe Streetcar crews completed track installation on Mill Avenue between University Drive and Rio Salado Parkway, with Mill Avenue northbound reopening August 16 on schedule.
“We’re excited and relieved to have Mill Avenue open in both directions on schedule and just in time for the start of Arizona State University’s fall semester and the influx of traffic that comes with it,” said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. “With the completion of trackwork in this section, nearly half of the streetcar track, more than 520 tons of rail, is in the ground, a significant milestone in bringing the valley’s first streetcar to the community.”
To date, crews have installed 37,000 feet of electrical conduit and more than 27,000 linear feet of rail. Crews worked six days a week from May 13 to Aug. 15 in order to finish the job on time and often pulled double shifts, despite the hot summer weather. The construction schedule was created for the closure to have the least impact when ASU students were largely absent from campus.
“The downtown Mill Avenue section of track is one of the most challenging on the Tempe Streetcar Project,” said Andy Auxier, project manager with construction contractor, Stacy and Witbeck. “We knew a big push this summer would be a tall order for our team, but it was best for the community.”
During the lane closure, downtown Tempe Authority assisted businesses along Mill Avenue with promotional events, including the popular Hard Hat Thursday discounts. Valley Metro’s Shop On business directory will continue to provide promotional assistance throughout the entirety of construction.
“Summer construction is tough on the public, business owners and construction workers alike,” said Valley Metro Project Manager Luis Mota. “This summer was a great example of how residents, businesses and a construction team can work together to minimize the temporary impacts in order to ultimately connect communities and enhance lives.”
Crews will return next summer to install streetcar stops. The work will be less impactful to vehicle traffic with minimal restrictions.
Tempe Streetcar is scheduled to open in 2021 with three miles of track, 14 stops and two connections to Valley Metro Rail. The route will connect riders to neighborhoods, major business centers and regional entertainment and event destinations.
