State to Share Update on Freeway Next Week

By Doug Murphy Staff Writer
Ahwatukee Foothills News, 9/26/03

Progress in finding a route for the South Mountain Loop 202 freeway has been made, but only for the western portion, between Pecos Road around 55th Avenue and Interstate 10 to the north, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The eastern portion, starting at the Pecos Road and I-10 interchange in Ahwatukee Foothills, is still penciled in for construction along Pecos Road to the west, but that could change in the next few months, said a consultant working with the state to solicit public input for a route to accommodate the six-lane freeway.

"We know there is a significant amount of opposition to Pecos Road (for the freeway)," John Godec said during his briefing to the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee on Monday night. To address that opposition, three alternative routes are being considered south of Pecos Road, according to Godec, a partner in the Phoenix-based firm of Godec, Randall & Associates.

"It's not as far along as the rest of the options on the westside," said Godec, explaining that the Gila River Indian Community has allowed ADOT to study three possible routes on Indian land. Two were once under consideration for a possible toll road and one option the Gila River Indian Community once considered when it created a development plan for the land south of Ahwatukee Foothills. All three connect with I-10 at the current Pecos Road/I-10 interchange, loop south, then west around South Mountain Park and turn north around Pecos Road and 55th Avenue.

Village planning committee vice chairman Doug Cole said he was "optimistic" about the future outcome. "It's a good road you're heading down."

ADOT will be holding an open house next week to discuss the potential routes in the west and to answer questions about the process. The open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at Desert Vista High School, 16440 S. 32nd St. The reporter can be reached at (480) 898-7914 or by e-mail at dmurphy@aztrib.com. South Mountain Loop 202 open house Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6 to 8 p.m. Desert Vista High School 16440 S. 32nd St.