On Wednesday, morning riders in downtown Phoenix faced delays when light rail service near the Convention Center and Chase Field was partially shut down due to fire activity. Westbound trains turned back at the 3rd St/Washington platform, and eastbound riders were directed from the Jefferson hub to 3rd St/Washington to continue their trips.
Service Alert: Due to fire activity, westbound trains will be turning back at 3rd St/Washington. Eastbound riders at downtown hub Jefferson St and 3rd St/Jefferson need to go to 3rd St/Washington to continue eastbound train service. https://x.com/i/status/2024177249222791222
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) February 18, 2026
According to Valley Metro on their X account, telling riders that westbound trains would be turning back at 3rd St/Washington because of unspecified "fire activity." Eastbound passengers at 3rd St/Jefferson and along Jefferson Street were instructed to walk over to 3rd St/Washington to continue their trips. The agency did not share any additional information in the post about what was burning or how long the disruption might last.
Tricky Transfers Around the Stadium and Convention Center
The 3rd St/Jefferson and 3rd St/Washington stops sit about 500 feet apart and operate as a paired eastbound and westbound station complex serving the Phoenix Convention Center and Chase Field. That setup is convenient when everything runs smoothly, but during a hiccup like Wednesday morning's it means riders have to make a short walk between platforms to switch directions. Station details show the pair is a go-to access point for stadium crowds and convention traffic.
Check For Updates And Pad Your Travel Time
Riders are being urged to keep an eye on real-time service alerts for word on when full service will be restored or if routing changes expand. Valley Metro's website and the agency's official X account carry service notices, and transit apps can help riders scout alternate routes while the disruption is in effect. Anyone heading to events at the Convention Center or Chase Field should build in extra minutes to avoid cutting it too close.
City and emergency crews responded to the scene, but as of the time of the advisory, officials had not released any information about injuries or property damage. This report will be updated if agencies share more details.
