The South Central Light Rail Transit Extension will enhance resident mobility, revitalize neighborhoods and provide improved infrastructure in the city of Phoenix.

The South Central Light Rail Transit (SCLRT) Extension represents a significant stride towards improved connectivity and accessibility for residents in Phoenix, Arizona. It is bridging the gap between the South Phoenix community and Downtown neighborhoods, providing vital access to local businesses, educational institutions, cultural opportunities and transportation hubs.

Addressing a critical need

Historically, the South Phoenix community has faced accessibility challenges due to limited public transportation options and traffic congestion. The introduction of light rail service provides a reliable, efficient transportation alternative that not only enhances mobility but also alleviates traffic congestion and connects residents to more employment, educational and cultural opportunities throughout the Phoenix metro area.

It also bolsters residents’ ability to patronize businesses, attend sporting events and easily connect to other modes of transportation.

Achieving operational excellence

AECOM partnered with Valley Metro Rail, Inc. and the City of Phoenix to design important transit infrastructure improvements including the track, station architecture, roadway, utilities and more, and will provide design services during construction through 2025. The new SCLRT extends 5.5 miles south of Downtown Phoenix and includes eight stations with 11 total platforms, 14 light rail vehicles, two major bridge retrofits at the Salt River and Western Canals, one pedestrian bridge reconfiguration, two park-and-rides and five Traction Power Substation (TPSS) sites.

Central Ave at CityScape Phoenix – a downtown arterial serving several mixed-use developments – will be converted into the system’s Downtown Hub. The Downtown Hub includes the Valley’s first transit-only pedestrian plaza featuring access to a unique LRT platform with mid-platform openings to allow free-flow of pedestrians across the light rail guideway. To further enhance service reliability and frequency, two LRT loops were implemented near the downtown hub for light rail trains to turn around quickly and efficiently.

The bridges that the SCLRT Extension traverses are key project areas where we identified cost-saving opportunities. Initial design concepts suggested the removal and replacement of portions of the Salt River Bridge superstructure. However, our 3D finite element computer model demonstrated that the existing structure had sufficient capacity to support the light rail system, which saved about $10 million in construction costs.

At the Western Canal Bridge, our cost-saving design allowed the existing sidewalls and bottom slab of the bridge to remain in place, a solution that avoided disruptions to the canal’s operations while a new bridge was constructed above it.

We spearheaded the creation of new infrastructure that allows the LRT to exist in harmony with vehicular traffic. New traffic patterns, including two new roundabouts with LRT crossing through the center, required the implementation of new LRT signals. These roundabouts will improve vehicular traffic flow by allowing trucks to turn across the tracks and access commercial businesses in this industrial section of the project, while cars can travel without stopping for trains unless they are turning.

The project also introduces infrastructure improvements to the surrounding community beyond the LRT. We designed new bike lanes — which promote cycling as a viable and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation — and increased pedestrian safety with the introduction of new landscape buffers between sidewalks and roads to separate pedestrians from traffic.

Rising to the occasion

Many facets of this project required extensive community coordination to ensure operational excellence. We worked with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to lower the existing roadway of the I-17 bridge to accommodate LRT and Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) on the underside of the bridge. Additionally, our team organized wet and dry utility efforts that included approximately 70,000 linear feet of water, sewer and storm drainpipe evaluation and relocation within congested downtown streets.

We also played a significant role in communicating the project’s many benefits and garnering public support. When Proposition 105 – a bill aimed at halting the project due to concerns about budget allocation and reduction of roadway capacity – emerged as a potential challenge, it also presented an opportunity for constructive dialogue.

Our team helped to educate the public by developing comprehensive materials and visuals to demonstrate to stakeholders and the community how the SCLRT Extension could integrate into existing infrastructure without disruption local traffic flow. This proactive approach resulted in increased project support and advocacy from a diverse coalition including business leaders, unions, nonprofits and residents.

The project incorporated contributions from 18 artists – turning the stations into beautiful civic assets that add cultural value and aesthetic appeal – making them more inviting and reflective of the community’s spirit.

In collaboration with Valley Metro Rail and the City of Phoenix, we developed an internship program for local high school students focused on engineering and architecture. The program engaged approximately 25 students in eight full-day sessions, providing hands-on experience with real-world design challenges. This initiative aimed to introduce students to potential STEM careers, with at least two participants subsequently enrolling in engineering programs at Arizona State University.

Lasting community benefits

As the SCLRT Extension approaches fully operational status, it stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts and innovative design in transforming urban landscapes and improving the lives of residents. Our role in this project highlights our expertise in delivering complex infrastructure projects that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders while addressing environmental and operational considerations.

The SCLRT Extension is more than just a transportation project — it is a catalyst for urban development and social equity. By strengthening the connection between South Central Phoenix and the broader city, the extension provides residents with improved access to opportunities, services and amenities. This project exemplifies our commitment to designing and delivering infrastructure solutions that enhance quality of life, promote sustainability and foster community development.