Right of way formalized for future South Mountain Freeway
Right of way formalized for future South Mountain Freeway
PHOENIX – With construction of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway scheduled to begin later this summer, several city of Phoenix roadways along the 22-mile corridor are now officially part of the state highway system.
As of this week, the South Mountain Freeway right of way has the designation State Route 202, meaning roadways in that area are now controlled by the Arizona Department of Transportation. That’s the result of an Arizona State Transportation Board resolution developed in cooperation with the city of Phoenix and Maricopa County.
The change involves Pecos Road in Ahwatukee Foothills, a stretch of 59th Avenue in the West Valley and many cross streets.
It may be difficult to notice differences until freeway construction begins, but now ADOT is responsible for maintaining the pavement, sidewalks, drainage, traffic signals, signs and street lights along the right of way, as well as for providing street sweeping, debris removal and response to traffic incidents and emergencies.
Following the completion of the South Mountain Freeway, which is scheduled to open to traffic by late 2019, the city of Phoenix will take back responsibility for any roadways that are not part of the freeway. Some temporary right of way was needed for construction to allow crews to safely and efficiently complete the work.
The South Mountain Freeway, which will run east and west along Pecos Road, and north and south near 59th Avenue, will connect with Interstate 10 at each end. When opened to traffic by late 2019, it will complete the Loop 101 and Loop 202 system, create a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley, and provide an alternative to I-10 through downtown Phoenix.
ADOT is currently conducting preliminary engineering, addressing cultural resources in the right of way, acquiring and preparing properties, and relocating utilities. ADOT received final federal clearance to move forward with the project in spring 2015.
For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.