ADOT to offer ‘very early’ peek at S. Mtn. Freeway

West Valley View

10-28-05

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A preliminary blueprint released last week by the Arizona Department of Transportation offers an idea of what the West Valley may look like if and when the proposed $1.1 billion South Mountain Freeway is constructed.

Based on ADOT’s “very early” design, the freeway would start at Interstate 10 and Pecos Road in the East Valley, run south of South Mountain, then up to the I-10 in the West Valley at 55th Avenue, 71st Avenue or Loop 101.

In mid-November, ADOT officials plan to hold a public hearing in Avondale, where they will display the design and answer questions from area residents. For details, call 602-712-7355 or visit www.southmountainfreeway.com.

A decision on a route for the western portion of the freeway is expected in January.

ADOT officials concede that some West Valley homes may need to be purchased and demolished make way for the project. The current map indicates that more than 100 homes in the Ahwatukee foothills may be similarly fated.

It is possible, however, the freeway will not be built. The southern portion may require land owned by the Gila River Indian Community, where tribal leaders have not come to any unanimous agreement regarding ADOT’s proposal.

If an agreement is reached and a design is accepted, construction would not begin until 2009.

SOURCE: Arizona Department of Transportation