50th Street Station

The 50th Street Light Rail Station emerged from the winning concept for the Mayor’s ‘Phoenix Innovation Games – Streetscape Design Challenge’. The project concept focused on accessibility and inclusion through the rethinking of infrastructure design.

At a light rail station where many of the users are mobility-challenged, existing systems were analyzed to find ways to integrate structural changes that would make a significant difference in the quality of the user experience. Ability360, an organization adjacent to this light rail station that serves people experiencing mobility challenges, was engaged as part of the project stakeholder group.

Innovative design solutions included lowering the adjacent sidewalks to eliminate vertical ramps, widening the platform cross-section to allow for easier passage of two adjacent wheelchairs, and crossing signals activated by infrared cameras. Shade and landscape materials were incorporated to make the station more comfortable and to protect from the intense summer heat. An artist collaboration led to incorporating art within the overhead shade structures, relating the space to the native desert vegetation.