The light rail for South Phoenix has moved another step closer. The rail extension is on track to be completed by 2023.

City planners said the Federal Transit Administration has granted a significant environmental approval for the planned South Central Light Rail Extension. The approval means final design work on the extension can begin.

The study looked at potential impacts to the neighboring environment including noise and vibration, air quality, as well as historical and archeological resources.

The proposed five-mile project will connect with the current light rail system in downtown Phoenix and run south to Baseline Road.

The South Central Extension was originally slated to be finished in 2034, but its completion was moved up to 2023 after Phoenix voters approved a transportation initiative two years ago.