Problem with S. Mtn. Freeway would be blowing in the wind

Dec. 3, 2005 12:00 AM

The Arizona Republic

In the discussions about the planned South Mountain Freeway, there is something in the air that is being missed. It's called pollution.

Ahwatukee has a southwest prevailing wind. The planned freeway loop sits to the south.

The Arizona Department of Transportation tells us that this freeway will carry 10 percent of truck traffic. I find this statement absurd.  

Interstate 10 is one of a few arteries that runs the length of the country. If I'm a truck driver coming from anywhere east of Arizona heading to California, to save time and fuel I'm taking this bypass.

If we look to California, it is plain to see that freeways do not work in suburban and downtown areas. They become parking lots.

Los Angeles is in the process of running elevated trains through its freeway systems. Freeways are always years behind the population growth.

A major concern being overlooked is the prevailing wind. Diesel when burned is heavier than gas, and because of South Mountain it has no place to go but to hang around and poison this community.

We could build a better truck bypass by improving and shortening our existing one. Using Interstate 8, we could build a road that would leave I-8 about 20 miles east of Gila Bend, running northwest and picking up Arizona 85. Then improve the existing Arizona 85 up to I-10.

Next, so the existing interchange that ADOT built to Pecos Road is not wasted, see if the Gila River Indian Community would be interested in extending Pecos as a parkway, with a bend to the north of Saint Johns before entering 51st Avenue. The bend would bypass their school and housing on Pecos. To make this work, Pecos Parkway would have a truck weight restriction.

Also, 51st Avenue would have to be improved to two lanes in each direction to Dobbins Road. This would also benefit the Gila community, by creating better access to the casino and resort.

From what I read in The Republic, the Gila community would like ADOT to improve I-10 for its benefit, so maybe the existence of a Pecos Parkway is a negotiating possibly. Then take the money allotted for this loop and start building an elevated train system on our existing freeways.

Ahwatukee has proven it uses mass transit. The park-and-ride at 40th Street fills to capacity.

Jeff Ludwig is an Ahwatukee resident.