Valley Metro Streetcar in Tempe celebrates official project completion and start of service

Valley Metro recently celebrated the completion of the new $192 million Tempe Streetcar project, designed by Stantec, a global leader in sustainability and design, to improve connectivity in one of the most densely developed and diverse urban areas in the Phoenix-metropolitan area. The 3-mile track circulates around Tempe’s Arizona State University campus, through the bustling Mill Avenue District, and along the rapidly growing business corridor on Rio Salado. The streetcar project is a critical element to expanding available transit options for riders going to work, class, shops, restaurants, and special events in the downtown Tempe area.

Streetcar will serve one of the highest transit ridership centers in the region. As the Valley’s first modern streetcar line, it will add to the comprehensive transit network in Tempe, which includes buses, circulators, light rail, bicycle, and pedestrian amenities. Unlike Valley Metro’s light rail vehicle, the streetcar shares the roadway with automotive traffic and has a capacity of 125 people.  Current service is anticipated every 20 minutes, with frequency improving later this year with the addition of the final two streetcar vehicles.

The Stantec team designed the system to operate safely, reliably, and comfortably on streets shared with congested vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Using hybrid technology, the streetcar will run on battery through the Mill Ave District, eliminating overhead wires and preserving the corridor’s tree-lined landscape. The team collaborated closely with stakeholders throughout the design process to minimize impacts to new developments, local businesses, students, and families in the area.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see this transformational project reach completion,” said Mark Peterson, Stantec project manager. “Streetcar will greatly increase the accessibility and vibrancy of Tempe, providing residents, students, and visitors with direct connectivity to downtown Phoenix, Mesa, and points beyond. We have a longstanding relationship with Valley Metro and we’re thrilled to help deliver the Valley’s first modern streetcar line.”

Tempe will be far more accessible and vibrant with the introduction of this new mode of transit and its continued commitment to multi-modal public transportation. Riders can enjoy Tempe’s art-enriched downtown area and have direct connections to other communities via the ever-expanding Valley Metro transit system.

Stantec’s services for Valley Metro Streetcar include design for track, stations, utilities, roadway, and civil infrastructure; traffic engineering; project management; and construction phase services.

Learn more about Stantec’s Transportation practice.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success. We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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Media Contact
Ryan Lamont
Stantec Media Relations
Ph: (213) 706-8428
ryan.lamont@stantec.com