Ahwatukee Foothills residents who live along Pecos Road got a jolt Saturday when details of the possible South Mountain Freeway hit The Arizona Republic. Aerial photos of the suggested footprint, squashing hundreds of homes, including nearly new places in the Foothills Reserve, are enough to make anyone nervous.

But don't panic - yet.

Just because the Arizona Department of Transportation has drawn colored lines on the photos doesn't mean the bulldozers are on the way.

The freeway has been a vague line on a map for 20 years. Residents and city officials have debated the proper alignment and questioned the need for a last leg of Loop 202.

After passage of Proposition 400 last November, which funded this section of freeway, ADOT seemed to step up the lengthy process.

Now the footprint seems poised over Ahwatukee residents' heads, and the reality of this project is beginning to hit home.

Literally.

What can you do?

Start by attending a public meeting with ADOT officials.

From noon to 8 p.m. Nov. 17, ADOT representatives will be available to answer questions at the Ahwatukee Grace Inn, 10831 S. 51st St.

If you cannot make the meeting, call (602) 712-7355 or cruise the Web at www.southmountain freeway.com.

The site has plenty of information on the freeway, its history, maps of the area and answers to 76 frequently asked questions.

ADOT has always encouraged citizen input.

That means you.