Construction crews are breaking ground on a new light rail station in central Phoenix.
On Wednesday, Valley leaders gathered at the construction site near Washington and 50th streets to begin construction for the first capital project under Phoenix Transportation 2050.
The station will include a wider, more accessible platform for all station users; as well as additional shaded areas.
In 2015, Phoenix voters approved the 35-year citywide transportation project. Some of the highlights of the years-long project include improved frequency on local bus service, new light rail service and stations, and major street improvement projects.
Funds for the project come from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016. The tax is expected to generate nearly $17 billion. There is also $14.8 billion in federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources, according to a Valley Metro press release.
Several city leaders were at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Phoenix council members Kate Gallego and Thelma Williams, station users and business owners.
