TEMPE, AZ — Valley Metro recently celebrated the completion of the new $192-million Tempe Streetcar project, designed by Stantec, to improve connectivity in one of the most densely developed and diverse urban areas in the Phoenix-metropolitan area. The three-mile track circulates around Tempe’s Arizona State University campus, through the Mill Avenue District, and along the 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.

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 long-standing relationship with Valley Metro, and we’re thrilled to help deliver the Valley’s first modern streetcar line.”

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.