Mesa’s Light Rail Extension

Councilmember Dave RichinsMesa, Arizona

The Central Mesa Extension of the Light Rail is a 3.1 mile extension that will run from the Sycamore Station to Mesa Drive.

The Gilbert Road Extension will take the light rail another 1.9 miles to Gilbert Road.

The Light Rail Extension connects multiple municipalities with each other and also requires assistance from the County, the State and government agencies.

Cross-Jurisdictional

The project required a partnership between several entities, including cities, the County and the Federal government.

Cross-Jurisdictional

Financial approval and getting a major amendment to the Regional Transportation Plan were the biggest challenges.

Greatest Challenges

The cooperation and assistance between the City of Mesa, regional agencies, other valley cities and the Federal Government was the key factor in making the Light Rail Extension a reality.

What made it work

The formula is simple: Communicate with everyone involved and exercise patience.

Formula for success

The Central Mesa Extension is scheduled to be completed in mid-2015.

The Gilbert Road Extension is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

Results