 
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 is underway on the METRO tracks between 26th Street and Washington in Phoenix; along Mill Avenue, Terrace Road and Apache Boulevard in Tempe; and Main Street in Mesa.
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 06/26/08)
(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 restriction |
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19th Avenue at Camelback, Missouri, Colter and Montebello streets |
Manhole adjustments |
North and southbound traffic on 19th Avenue will not be permitted to turn left onto Camelback, Missouri, Colter or Montebello. |
Thru July 1 |
LINE SECTION 2 |
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Location |
Reason |
Restrictions |
Duration |
Ongoing restriction |
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Central Avenue between McDowell and Camelback roads |
Rubberized asphalt |
During night hours, traffic on Central Avenue will be restricted to one lane in each direction. |
8 p.m. – 5 a.m. thru June 29 |
LINE SECTION 3
Downtown Phoenix |
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Location |
Reason |
Restrictions |
Duration |
Ongoing restrictions |
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11th Street between Washington and Jefferson streets |
METRO construction |
11th Street will remain closed and only open to local traffic via Washington or Jefferson. |
Ongoing |
Jefferson Street between 16th and 20th streets |
Road paving |
Traffic lane on the north side of Jefferson is closed. Business access via the alley between 16th and 20th streets during paving. |
Ongoing |
PHOENIX / TEMPE |
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LINE SECTION 4 |
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Road work is complete. No restrictions. |
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TEMPE / MESA |
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LINE SECTION 5 |
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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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