The Board of Directors of the Phoenix area's Valley Metro Rail has unanimously approved Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. as the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) for the new 50th Street light rail station.
The $23 million station will provide access to the Ability 360 facility, which offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities. The station will also support transit-oriented development planned for the area.
“Adding this light rail stop near Ability360 provides a place-making opportunity for a community that seriously benefits from public transit,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. “We know that this stop will improve the transportation experience for individuals who use wheelchairs, white canes and other assistive devices, and will be inclusively designed with those residents in mind.”
Phil Pangrazio, president & CEO of Ability36, stated, “The disability community is extremely excited about the future light rail stop at 50th Street and Washington. Its presence will vastly improve access to the Ability360 Center and Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center.”
“The thousands of people with disabilities that come to the center each year will soon have convenient and easy access via the light rail system,” added Pangrazio. “We are thrilled about the positive impact this is going to make.”
The project is made possible by Transportation 2050, a 35-year citywide plan to expand investment in Phoenix transportation improvements. It is the first capital element to be implemented by Phoenix’s voter-approved initiative.
“Without the support of Phoenix voters passing Phoenix Transportation 2050 we would not have been able to move forward with the design and construction of this very much needed station at 50th Street,” Stanton added.
Stacy and Witbeck, along with project partner Sundt, constructed a 10-mile segment of the original 20 miles of light rail that opened in 2008 and the 3.1-mile Northwest Phoenix Extension that opened earlier this year. Gannett Fleming, Inc. is actively working on station design.
Groundbreaking for the new station is expected in early 2017, with service beginning in 2019. A special community kick-off celebration will be held in fall of 2016.