Urbanism
Valley Metro Capitol Extension: Connecting Phoenix Downtown
The 1.4-mile Capitol Extension will provide an important connection between the downtown core and the Arizona State Capitol. Integrating with the existing Valley Metro Rail system at 3rd Avenue, the route extends west on Washington Street, turns south on 19th Avenue and then loops back to downtown along Jefferson Street.
Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Daily News Staff

Phoenix, AZ – The 1.4-mile Capitol Extension will provide an important connection between the downtown core and the Arizona State Capitol. Integrating with the existing Valley Metro Rail system at 3rd Avenue, the route extends west on Washington Street, turns south on 19th Avenue and then loops back to downtown along Jefferson Street.
Capitol Extension and Phase 1
The Capitol Extension was originally known as “Phase I” of the Capitol/I-10 West Extension, approved by the Phoenix City Council and Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in 2016. “Phase II” is now known as the I-10 West Extension. Both projects are part of Phoenix’s T2050 plan, which was approved by voters in 2015
This project will bring together state, regional and local agencies, as well as community partners, and energize the downtown and State Capitol areas.
Recent updates:
- March 2022: Based on community input and technical analysis, the project team recommended a new Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) that was approved by Phoenix City Council and the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors in November 2021. https://valley-metro-vulcan.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/projects/downloads/CAPEX-LPA-Report-March-2022.pdf
- Preliminary engineering (PE) work is now underway to develop early construction plans and technical specifications for the extension. PE work will produce a reasonable cost estimate, identify any technical issues that may occur during construction and provide a basis for the final design phase.
- The project team is also beginning preparations for the federally-required Environmental Assessment in 2022.

Visit Valley Metro for further updates… https://www.valleymetro.org/project/capitol-extension#status
Source: Valley Metro
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism
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