Valley Metro launched a new smartphone app Monday with updates of the five-mile South Central Extension of the light rail.

The Construct VM app is offered in English and Spanish and includes several features. Users can access an interactive map of the construction area, a question page, a photo gallery, links to Valley Metro’s social media accounts and a contact form to submit concerns.  Madeline Phipps is a spokeswoman with Valley Metro.

"It also gives us another way to make sure we’re communicating clearly and effectively," Phipps said, "and because we can send out push notifications, we’re also able to send things more in real time as opposed to some of our more scheduled communications that go out periodically."

Valley Metro believes it will provide a better way for users to receive construction alerts. They plan to add information about businesses near the construction as the app develops. 

The contractor of the construction, the Kiewit Corporation, helped design the app with Valley Metro. The Construct VM app is available for both iOS and Android.

The Valley Metro Light Rail, which offers rides to almost 50,000 passengers a day, plans to open up the extension in 2024.

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Madeline Phipps/Valley Metro

Users receive push notifications in real time about the progress of construction on the South Central extension of the light rail.

Madeline Phipps/Valley Metro

Users can view locations and details about the construction with the app's interactive map.

Madeline Phipps/Valley Metro

Users can look at photos and videos of the ongoing construction.

Madeline Phipps/Valley Metro

Users have access to more information through links to Valley Metro's social media pages, a Frequently Asked Questions page and other pages about the construction.