Phoenix, Ariz.-based Valley Metro awarded a contract to a joint venture of Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) and PGH Wong Engineering to provide program management/construction management (PM/CM) services to support the planned expansion of the metro Phoenix high-capacity transit system.

The existing light rail system, which opened in December 2008, comprises 20 miles of route through Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Valley Metro is tasked with delivering a 57-mile, high-capacity transit system as defined in the Regional Transportation Plan, which was adopted by the Maricopa Association of Governments and financed under the 2004 voter-approved Proposition 400 one-half cent regional sales tax extension.

Valley Metro has begun planning and in some cases design for the six extensions that make up the remaining 37 miles of transit to be built. The expansion will extend light rail service from the north and west limits of Phoenix through downtown Mesa. Plans include a modern streetcar operation in the downtown Tempe area.

As the PM/CM consultant, the joint venture will provide support personnel to Valley Metro in a wide range of program management, construction management, and management consulting services. PB served as the general engineering consultant on the development of the existing Valley Metro light rail system.