Valley Metro is recommending a new light rail line go through downtown Glendale after working with stakeholders to select a route from about six options.
The proposal would have light rail enter Glendale on 43rd Avenue, turn west on Glendale Avenue, head north on 51st or 52nd avenues, go west on Glenn Drive and north on 58th Avenue before ending at Palmaire Avenue.
Light Rail usually costs between $80 million and $130 million per mile, said Corinne Holiday, spokesperson for Valley Metro. Construction is expected to start in 2022 and end in 2026.
Glendale officials hope the line will eventually stretch beyond downtown, said Transportation Engineer Debbie Albert.
“That is a goal of the city’s to extend light rail out to the sports and entertainment district,” Albert said.
If the current proposal goes forward, the Glendale city council would consider it in March or April, Albert said. The city plans to start studying an extension beyond downtown next year.
