 
METRO Light Rail
AAA Arizona lobbies for consumer choice when it comes to transportation modes. The addition of the METRO Light Rail to the Valley will offer another viable option for travelers when deciding how they want to move around the Valley. However, as is expected with large scale construction in a large metropolitan area, there are potential traffic safety concerns and traffic delays. Read below for safety tips and be sure to check back here often to get the latest news and tips to keep you and your family safe and moving freely.
For the most up-to-date and detailed traffic restrictions visit MetroLightRail.org/Traffic.
METRO Traffic Update 
METRO has finished roadwork in Tempe and Mesa. Roadwork in central and northern Phoenix will be completed in summer 2008.
Vehicle testing will be underway, beginning this spring from 48th Street and Washington to west Tempe.
Commuter traffic should travel normally, alongside light rail vehicles. Expect a train at any time from any direction, always obey traffic and crosswalk signals, and never walk or stop your car on the light rail tracks.
Traffic restrictions: (Updated 05/01/08)
(Times and delays may vary. Check MetroLightRail.org/Traffic for further details.)
PHOENIX |
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LINE SECTION 1 |
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Location |
Reason |
Restrictions |
Duration |
Ongoing restrictions |
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East side of Montebello Avenue at 19th Avenue |
Preparation for paving work |
The east side of Montebello at 19th Avenue will be closed. Business and residential access will be maintained.
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Through 6 p.m. May 4 |
19th Avenue between Bethany Home and Camelback roads |
Contractor work |
One lane open in each direction. Left turns at intersections are restricted; sections of Camelback Road and 19th Avenue will occasionally close from 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. through 2008.
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No end date set |
LINE SECTION 2 |
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Location |
Reason |
Restrictions |
Duration |
Ongoing restriction |
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Central Avenue between Indian School and McDowell roads |
Contractor work |
Central Avenue is restricted to one lane for north and southbound traffic. |
Through May 2008 |
LINE SECTION 3
Downtown Phoenix |
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Location |
Reason |
Restrictions |
Duration |
Ongoing restrictions |
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11th Street north of Jefferson Street |
METRO construction |
Traffic on 11th Street cannot cross Jefferson. Traffic on Jefferson Street may not turn onto northbound 11th Street.
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Ongoing |
13th and 14th Street at Jefferson Street |
Track installation |
13th and 14th streets closed just north of Jefferson; use 15th Street to access Washington Street. |
Ongoing |
Jefferson Street between 16th Street and 20th Street |
Road paving |
Access businesses via the alley between 16th and 20th Streets during paving. During 18th Street and Jefferson closure, access businesses by taking Washington to the alley. |
Ongoing |
Jefferson Street between 20th Street and 26th Street |
Contractor work |
One lane of traffic will be maintained on Jefferson Street between 20th Street and 26th Street. An additional lane will be intermittently permitted.
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Ongoing |
23rd Street between Washington Street and Jefferson Street |
Sidewalk modifications |
23rd Street can only be accessed using the slip lanes available at 22nd and Jefferson (eastbound) or 24th and Washington (westbound).
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Ongoing |
25th Street on the south side of Washington Street |
Track installation |
South side of Washington is closed at 25th Street.
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Ongoing |
PHOENIX / TEMPE |
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LINE SECTION 4 |
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In-road work is complete. No restrictions. |
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TEMPE / MESA |
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LINE SECTION 5 |
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In-road work is complete. No restrictions. |
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SAFETY TIPS
Driving and bike riding
- At intersections, never stop or park your car or bike on light rail tracks.
- Stop on red and turn left only with a green arrow.
- Never try to beat a train through the intersection.
- Light rail trains are quiet. Listen for warning bells and watch for flashing headlights on the train.
- Look both ways before crossing the tracks by car or bike.
- Never drive a car or ride a bike in the light rail guideway.
- Treat METRO high-voltage powerlines with the same respect as utility company lines.
Walking
- Don’t walk on or stand near the tracks.
- Jaywalking is illegal and unsafe. Cross only at crosswalks and obey the crosswalk signals.
- Be alert when near the tracks. Light rail is quiet. Listen for warning bells and look for flashing headlights.
Teach your kids about light rail safety
- Remind your children to stop, look and listen—especially around light rail tracks.
- Teach children to cross intersections only in a crosswalk and to obey the crosswalk signs.
- Never allow children to play near the tracks and never fly kites or models near the high-voltage overhead power lines.
- When walking with children, keep them together and away from the tracks.
- Skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bikes in the guideway or on light rail platforms is not safe and is not permitted.
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