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      First Train to Cross Salt River Bridge Along New South Central Light Rail Extension

      Aerial view of the South Central lightt rail extension construction over the Salt River.

      January 28, 2025

      Public Transit

      ​Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix will host an event to commemorate the first train crossing the Salt River Bridge as testing expands into south Phoenix. The celebration will also recognize Construction Advisory Board members and community groups for their work and participation throughout the project. The event includes short remarks from elected officials and an opportunity to view the train crossing this iconic bridge. While this event is by invitation only and not public, a community celebration will be held in coming weeks to commemorate trains traveling to the future end-of-line at Baseline Road.

      Who:            U.S. Representative Yassamin Ansari

                            Phoenix D8 Councilmember Kesha Hodge-Washington

                            Phoenix D7 Councilmember Carlos Elvira-Galindo 

                            Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller

                            Valley Metro Boar​d of Directors 

                            Valley Metro Construction Advisory Board North and South members

                            Local community groups

      When:          Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025

                            3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

                            *Remarks begin at 3:15 p.m.

                            Train to cross Salt River Bridge at ~3:30 p.m.

      Where:         Nina Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center 

                            3131 S. Central Ave.

                            Phoenix, AZ 85040

      What:           Celebration of first train crossing Salt River Bridge into South Phoenix

                            Highlight SCE/DH project progress and ongoing train testing

                            Recognize Construction Advisory Boards (CABs) and other community groups’                                project participation             

                            Emphasize train testing safety

      About the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub: The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub will extend the existing light rail system from downtown Phoenix south along Central Avenue to Baseline Road, connecting historically and culturally significant neighborhoods. The project includes a new light rail transit hub in downtown Phoenix, featuring new stations and public art throughout the corridor. Now at 95% completion and entering the final phases of construction, the project marks an important milestone for Valley Metro Rail as we prepare to introduce a two-line light rail system with the opening of the SCE/DH. Train and system testing is underway along the alignment as the project progresses toward opening in mid-2025. Learn more at valleymetro.org/southcentral/opening.