March, 19, 2016.
That's the date Valley Metro's Light Rail will begin carrying commuters three miles north of 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
For the last two years, constructions crews have been working to complete the northwest extension project.
The extension will allow the train to continue north 3.2 miles on 19th Avenue to Dunlap Avenue. There will also be three new station platforms added at Glendale, Northern and Dunlap avenues.
It's official! Light rail will open March 19, 2016 @abc15 pic.twitter.com/u8AynrvHCj
— Allison Rodriguez (@ARodriguezABC15) December 10, 2015
The new extension has undergone testing since November. The total cost of the project is $327 million.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Vice Mayor Daniel Valenzuela and Valley Metro Safety and Security Director Adrian Ruiz announced the opening date during a press conference Thursday morning near Christown Spectrum Mall.
Valenzuela has been a long-time supporter of the project.
"This 3.2 mile stretch will connect six schools, several places of worship , 300 businesses, most of those small local businesses. This type of infrastructure is important for all of us," Valenzuela said.
