Valley Metro Light Rail Transit - Gilbert Road Extension

The 1.9-mile extension of Valley Metro Rail along Main Street in Mesa, Arizona involved construction of only the second roundabout in the U.S. to be incorporated into a light rail system.

Location

Mesa, Arizona, USA

Client

Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority

Project Value

$180M

Project Status

Completed May 2019

A Growing Demand

An extension of its light rail transit (LRT) system to Gilbert Road presented Valley Metro with an opportunity to serve the growing transit demand in the East Valley are of Mesa and better integrate the light rail with significant transit connections. The 1.9-mile extension increases to 28 the total miles served by LRT, and furthers Valley Metro’s mission to connect communities in the Phoenix metropolitan area to jobs, schools and entertainment.

A Tale of Two Stations

In addition to the rail extension, the project involved construction of two light rail stations, two traction power substations, a signal house and a park and ride facility at Gilbert Road and Main Street. Notably, it also integrates the system’s first roundabout, which allows vehicles and pedestrians to smoothly and safely maneuver through the roadway/LRT intersection.

Associated improvements included newly paved streets, new sidewalks and natural landscaping along the extension, as well as the incorporation of unique public art at each station and transit facility, which is a signature element of the Valley Metro Rail system.

Ongoing Collaboration

As part of a joint venture, WSP USA performed program management, project inspection, resident engineering and systems integration services for the project. The team worked very closely with Valley Metro, the City of Mesa and other stakeholders, to ensure continuous communication and a timely and successful project delivery.