LP rejects 97th Ave. alignment  

Marianne Refuerzo
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 22, 2006 12:00 AM  

Litchfield Park is backing Tolleson and Avondale in their fight against the 97th Avenue connection for the South Mountain Freeway.

"The further east we can get it, the better off we are," Mayor Woody Thomas said.

The city joins in signing its own resolution supporting the 55th Avenue alignment through Phoenix.  

The Arizona Department of Transportation wants to complete Loop 202, linking Interstate 10 in the West Valley to Interstate 10 near Ahwatukee.

The three options to connect the South Mountain Freeway to the West Valley are 55th, 71st and 97th avenues.

Southwest Valley leaders are opposed to the 97th Avenue connection because of the negative impact it would have on their cities.

Tolleson, which would suffer the greatest economic loss, signed a resolution supporting the 55th Avenue alignment in December. If the freeway came through the 6-square-mile city, Tolleson could lose up to 370 acres. Fourteen lanes of traffic would be installed in the Van Buren Street area, affecting the new Tolleson Union District High School administrative offices being built at 95th Avenue and Van Buren Street.

Tolleson City Manager Reyes Medrano Jr. appreciates Litchfield Park's efforts.

"We are ecstatic over the support that we received from our brethren from the Southwest Valley," he said.

Avondale signed its own resolution last month. The city depends largely on the revenue from the Avondale Auto Mall and the Gateway Pavilions shopping center at Loop 101 and 99th Avenue. A connection to 97th Avenue could hinder business.

Litchfield Park would not be gravely affected by the connection but Mayor Thomas said he doesn't want the West Valley bombarded with freeway systems, with the I-10 Reliever anticipated for construction in 2021.

ADOT will make its recommendation in May or June. The department will release its final decision next year.