Light Rail Vehicle Testing Underway, Businesses Still Hurting
Construction of the METRO Light Rail in Phoenix and Tempe is not scheduled for completion until late 2008. In what many hope is a sign that construction is progressing as planned and that the promised easing of traffic restrictions by the end of 2007, Valley METRO begun light rail vehicle testing was on Washington St. between 48th and 56th Sts. Testing is expected to continue for the next nine months. Traffic restrictions along Washington St. already exist with only one lane open in each direction between 26th and 48th Sts. and traffic unable to cross Washington St. on 27th, 28th and 38th Sts. with no northbound or southbound street turnoffs between 26th and 29th St. and no left turns allowed in any direction at 38th.
Additional business disruptions are not expected from the testing. Construction, however, is having a significant impact of businesses. The Arizona Republic reports that the METRO board heard complaints and concerns from more than one dozen merchants at their meeting on July 3. Before adjourning for a summer recess, the board heard that they and the city of Phoenix have failed to properly support the business affected by construction. The board also awarded Rick Simonetta, Metro CEO a 4 percent merit pay increase and a $25,000 bonus. The July 3 meeting apparently replaced the Board meeting scheduled for July 19 which has been canceled.
The testing, like the construction itself, may cause traffic disruptions. Valley METRO is admitting that traffic may be paused temporarily at some intersections. Auto traffic at intersections within the testing area may be asked to wait for a minute or so until the light rail vehicle has passed through. In contrast, Valley METRO says they are committed to minimizing the business impacts of construction and "During Light rail construction, we [Valley Metro] ask that you [residents and visitors] take the time and make the effort to visit businesses along the alignment route". Further, "Businesses along the route receive free access and courtesy signs to let the public know they're open and to help guide visitors to their entrances."
Meanwhile, the vehicle testing also gives drivers, pedestrians and others the opportunity to experience how things may change when the Light Rail becomes operational. According to Valley METRO, traffic should move normally alongside light rail vehicles during the testing phase. If you want a sneak peak at what is coming with the light rail, please take the time to support a business or restaurant, like the Pueblo Grande Museum (FREE admission on Sundays), the Stockyards Restaurant & 1889 Saloon (closed on Sundays through September 30, 2007), Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, and Hap's Pit Barbeque (closed Sundays).
This is also an excellent time to begin learning about and practicing light rail safety. Valley METRO has issued the following guidelines for driving and biking safety:
- Never stops or park your vehicle or bike at intersections or on light rail tracks.
- Stop on red and turn left only with a green arrow.
- Never try to beat a train through the intersection.
- Listen for warning bells and watch for flashing headlights on trains, as they are very quiet, especially compared to familiar freight trains.
- Look both ways before crossing tracks in a vehicle or on a bike.
- Never drive a vehicle or ride a bike in the light rail guideway.
- Treat METRO high-voltage powerlines with the same respect as utility company lines.
Pedestrians also need to be safe around light rail tracks and vehicles. This means:
- Not walking or standing near the tracks.
- Crossing tracks only at crosswalks and obeying crosswalk signals.
- Being alert when walking near the tracks because light rail vehicles are quiet. Warning bells and flashing headlights signal approaching light rail vehicles.
The light rail project has been controversial since it began. Area residents and visitors are divided as to whether the project's anticipated long term benefits will outweigh the harm done to area businesses during construction. Traffic restrictions are especially likely to reflect poorly on the metropolitan area with the Super Bowl coming to town in February 2008. The media covering the event will by staying at the Hyatt Regency or the Wyndham Phoenix, both of which are squarely within the construction zone.
