The core of this project is about connection—connecting people to their work, classes, shopping, and dining in downtown Tempe
The City of Tempe will soon be home to the Valley’s first streetcar system, moving people and making destinations more accessible. This 3.7-mile (6-kilometre) track circulates around the Arizona State University campus, through bustling downtown Tempe, and along the rapidly growing business district on Rio Salado. This streetcar project is a critical element to expanding Valley Metro Rail to riders going to work and class, shops, restaurants, and special events in the downtown Tempe area.
Our biggest challenge? Designing the system to operate safely, reliably, and comfortably on streets shared with congested vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Using hybrid technology, the streetcar will run on battery throughout the downtown area, eliminating the need for overhead wires and preserving the city’s tree-lined charm.
Since it runs through one of the most densely developed and highly valued urban areas in the Valley, stakeholder engagement is a critical piece of the project to ensure community voices are heard and respected. Our experts coordinated with stakeholders throughout the design process to minimize impacts to new developments, local businesses, students, and families in the area.
Tempe will be far more accessible and vibrant with the introduction of this new mode and its overall commitment to public transportation. Once completed, riders will not only enjoy the art-enriched downtown area of Tempe, but they will have direct connectivity to downtown Phoenix, Mesa, and points beyond through the ever-expanding Valley Metro Rail system.
At a Glance
- Offices
Chris Eggers, Senior Project Manager, Transportation
New connections between communities can change the perception of how we could and should provide transit in sprawling cities like Phoenix.
Bill Ferris, Jr., Vice President, Transportation
Our transportation specialists tailor solutions to improve our communities’ ability to commute to work, to play, and to life’s endeavors.
Mark Peterson, Senior Associate, Project Manager
It could be light rail track, geocache clues, or stations on a map—I love the challenge of putting pieces together to find a solution.
Zach Whitten, Associate, Project Engineer, Water
I’m driven to make positive changes that impact our communities.
Laura Krahn, Transportation Engineer
I became a transportation engineer to turn frustration into innovation and use my love of problem-solving to improve travel for everyone.
Kent Weinberger, Civil Engineer, EIT
My goal is to design infrastructure that truly serves and supports the needs and wants of the community it belongs to.
We’re better together
-
Become a client
Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
-
Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.