Freeway option

The Arizona Republic
Dec. 21, 2005 12:00 AM  

It is interesting to read the comments about the South Mountain Freeway.

It would be redundant to repeat the various pros and cons already expressed.

I would like to add a new thought, one outside the box, if you will.  

Why not follow the current right of way that extends from Interstate 10 on the west side along 51st Avenue to Beltline Road to Riggs Road to I-10 on the east side.

Several easy to recognize benefits include avoiding a cut through South Mountain, thus it would be environmentally sound; the route already exists along with some right of way which, of course, would have to be widened - cheaper by far than what is currently proposed. And since a right of way already exists, it would erase concerns about infringing on ground deemed sacred by the Gila River Indian Community.

Although much of the route is through the Gila River Reservation, it would have significant financial advantages to that community: It would increase prospective customers to their Whirlwind Golf Club, Wild Horse Pass Casino and recent Rawhide attraction.

There seems to be a lot of environmental, economic and social benefits to all involved, including solving the problem of traffic congestion in the central corridor of Phoenix, which just might reduce some of that awful stagnant pollution. It looks like a win-win situation that has potential for positive results.

I expect there will be opposition to this suggestion, but it seems like a fresh solution to the generation-old route that is so highly opposed by citizens and officials alike.

Jim McGrath
Ahwatukee