A maroon and gold construction vehicle began clearing brush and debris at the base of 'A' Mountain Wednesday, marking the start of the light rail construction project in downtown Tempe, expected to last three years.
Valley Metro also began clearing the landscaping along the north side of Veterans Way, in front of the fraternity housing. The construction shouldn't affect traffic or pedestrians, Daina Mann, spokeswoman for Valley Metro Rail, said in an e-mail Tuesday.
Marty Taradejna, a resident of the Sigma Nu fraternity house and business sophomore, said the construction hasn't affected him so far.
Taradejna said he didn't like the prospect of having the light rail tracks so close to Sigma Nu's house.
"That's going to be hard," he said. "It'll probably be loud, and there will be a lot more people around."
Gravel, palm trees and other plants will be moved from the median of Apache Boulevard near ASU later this month, Mann said.
"Any palm trees removed will be stored and re-used for the light rail and other Tempe projects," she said.
Mann said this effort would affect at least one lane of traffic during the project.
"Activities will be phased so that the entire area will not be under construction at one time," she added.
Mann said Valley Metro Rail would not close any streets or intersections unless there is no alternative.
"Even then, we will plan the work for off-peak times, such as nights and weekends, to minimize any traffic impacts," she said.
Construction may require temporary sidewalks, and bikers may need to ride on sidewalks in some construction zones.
Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman said he was excited that the downtown Tempe portion of light rail had begun.
"It will affect everyone's commute in one way or another," Hallman said. "To make progress it requires a fair amount of pain."
Light rail will benefit the University and the city by connecting the Tempe campus to the Downtown campus, Hallman said.
"[Light Rail] will also allow Tempe and Phoenix to coordinate conference facilities and tourist abilities," he added.
Reach the reporter at emilia.arnold@asu.edu.
