Latest news with #CapitalInvestmentGrants
Newsweek
11-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows $1 Billion Phoenix Light Rail Expansion
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Phoenix has opened a major expansion of its Valley Metro Rail system after an inauguration on Saturday The South Central Extension and Downtown Hub adds nearly five miles of new track and eight new stations, linking downtown Phoenix with the city's south-central corridor. The Context The light rail project cost $1.34 billion and took over a decade to plan and build. It is the largest light rail expansion in the Phoenix area's history. The new infrastructure reconfigures the downtown light rail system by creating a two-line hub at Washington and Central Avenue. What To Know The project broke ground in 2019, and was funded through a mix of federal, state, and local dollars, with roughly $638 million coming from the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants program. Phoenix voters had previously approved the extension through the city's Transit 2000 and Transportation 2050 initiatives. A map of the Valley Metro Rail System in Phoenix, Arizona. A map of the Valley Metro Rail System in Phoenix, Arizona. Valley Metro While the expansion primarily focused on laying track and building stations, the project also included enhancements to pedestrian infrastructure and the installation of more than 20 public art pieces by local artists. Train service now operates every 12 minutes, with the new stations located at key community points, including Lincoln Street, Buckeye Road, and Southern Avenue. There are also hubs at Central Avenue and Washington Street. What People Are Saying Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said at the inauguration: "The completion of this project marks an important new connection for residents and moves us closer to our goals as a sustainable and accessible city. "This historic extension introduces the region's first two-line rail system, creates safer streets and new bike lanes, and adds shade and public art, all while connecting more residents to jobs, education, entertainment and other amenities across the Valley. Equally important, it provides a whole new opportunity to showcase the unique offerings of this thriving corridor." Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said: "This grand opening marks a transformative moment for South Phoenix. The South Central Extension represents direct access to local businesses and a community that has historically been disconnected and overlooked. "South Phoenix deserves investment, inclusion and infrastructure that lifts everyone around it, and that is the vision of the light rail extension." What Happens Next Phoenix travelers will now be able to go east/west on the A-line, while the B-line travels north/south, with weekday services increased to 12 minutes before 7 p.m.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MARTA Selects CDM Smith to Design the Largest Bus Rapid Transit System in the State of Georgia
The effort is MARTA's largest BRT project to date. MARTA, a metro system in Georgia, has selected CDM Smith to design the largest bus rapid transit system in the state. Atlanta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CDM Smith was selected by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to design the Clayton County Southlake Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Alignment and Airport Connectivity project. CDM Smith and its partners will design approximately 15 miles of BRT with an elevated guideway into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The effort is MARTA's largest BRT project to date. This project will greatly improve Clayton County residents' access to job opportunities and education and will open doors for further transit-oriented development in the area. Direct premium transit service to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and MARTA's rail system will greatly contribute to the local and regional economies. Planning and design work is funded by the one-cent sales tax approved by Clayton County voters in 2014. The project has submitted an application for a Small Starts grant award from the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. The current project budget is $355.6 million. In service of its goal to provide premium transit service throughout the county, the BRT system design will include an elevated guideway, elevated bus stations, and a pedestrian bridge connector to the airport terminal and MARTA train station. The design phase of this project will take two years to complete. Construction is estimated to take place from 2028 through 2030. "We brought experience from our successful BRT project portfolio and remained focused on MARTA's goals and Clayton County's needs to create the right team to design this BRT,' said CDM Smith principal Chuck Deeb. CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy, and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges. Attachment MARTA, a metro system in Georgia, has selected CDM Smith to design the largest bus rapid transit system in the state. CONTACT: Kelly Brolin CDM Smith 617.452.6153 BrolinKF@ in to access your portfolio
