Does this freeway serve as a truck bypass to relieve congestion from Downtown Phoenix?

The SMF was not constructed to create a "truck bypass" for downtown Phoenix. The freeway is part of a transportation system developed to improve mobility in the region by increasing capacity and providing traffic alternatives—including truck traffic—to other, already congested routes. As with all other freeways in the MAG region, trucks use the SMF for the through transport of freight, for transport to and from distribution centers, and for transport to support local commerce. It is anticipated that “true” through truck traffic (not having to stop in the Phoenix metropolitan area) would continue to use the faster, designated, and posted bypass system of I-8 and State Route 85. Also, like other “loop” freeways in the Phoenix metropolitan area, the SMF would be a commuter corridor, primarily serving automobiles and helping to move local traffic between the eastern and western portions of Maricopa County.