Valley Metro in Phoenix recently celebrated a significant milestone for the 3.1-mile extension of light rail in central Mesa: the first official rail weld in the guideway of the future extension. Representatives of the contractor, Valley Transit Constructors, described the rail weld process to onlookers while welding students from East Valley Institute of Technology assisted and observed.

Speakers included Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Valley Metro Rail Board Vice Chair and Mesa Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh.

Officials expect the extension to open in late 2015 or early 2016 to central and downtown Mesa. 

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, second from right, and East Valley Institute of Technology welding student Sierra Jennings, third from right, ignite the first official rail weld for the Central Mesa light rail extension before an audience of local dignitaries and other welding students.