Tempe Streetcar Work Begins June 1

If you live or work in Tempe, get ready for some disruptions. The good news is that when it's all over - there's going to be a new streetcar in the city. Valley Metro says that after years of planning, design, and community outreach, work will begin on June 1.

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The work will begin with utilities being moved to make way for future track. The work will begin on Mill Avenue, followed by Ash Avenue, and will continue through early August.

Valley Metro says that the $186 million project will result in a three-mile route that will connect riders to neighborhoods, major business centers, and regional entertainment/event destinations.

When it's done, it will travel on Rio Salado Parkway from the Marina Heights development west to Mill Avenue. It will make a downtown loop on Mill and Ash avenues and continue south to Apache Boulevard. It will then turn east to Dorsey Lane, connecting to the Dorsey/Apache Blvd. light rail station.

According to Valley Metro, this is what you can expect:

MILL AVENUE

• Work occurs June 1 through July 21 on Mill Avenue between Rio Salado Parkway and University Drive.
• Work occurs Monday through Wednesday from approximately 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Thursday and Friday from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m., leaving Mill Avenue open most of the day and into the night.

• What to expect during construction hours:

> North and southbound lanes remain open to vehicle traffic with occasional left and right turn restrictions.

> Some sections of on-street parking and bicycle lanes may be
temporarily restricted depending on work activity.

• After 10 a.m., a majority of the traffic restrictions are removed and steel
plates are used to cover trenches, allowing the return of regular traffic
flow.

ASH AVENUE

• Work occurs July 24 through August 11 on Ash Avenue between Rio Salado Parkway and University Drive, ending just before ASU’s move-in day.
• Work occurs Monday through Friday from approximately 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• What to expect during construction hours: > North and southbound lanes will remain open to vehicle traffic with occasional left and right turn restrictions. > Some sections of on-street parking and bicycle lanes may be temporarily restricted depending on work activity.
• After 7 p.m., a majority of the traffic restrictions are removed and steel plates are used to cover trenches, allowing the return of regular traffic flow.

Full construction on the project will begin in 2018 and the streetcar opening is expected in 2020.

Image via Valley Metro