PHOENIX – Construction of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway is scheduled to begin in early September after the U.S. District Court in Phoenix dismissed legal challenges and ruled that the Arizona Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration completed all steps required to move forward.

“This is a momentous day, not only for ADOT but for our many partners – including the city of Phoenix, the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Federal Highway Administration – who helped develop the most extensive environmental review of any highway project to date in Arizona. More importantly, this is a clear victory for the region, which will benefit from a new transportation corridor and, with it, the economic development that will follow,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “This east-west alternative will connect people with employment, entertainment and educational centers in parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area that are projected to see considerable growth. The ruling today affirms the good work of the entire project team.”

In a ruling released Friday, Aug. 19, the judge found that plaintiffs failed to demonstrate, as claimed, that ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration didn’t meet requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and other federal laws.

“Plaintiffs have not met their burden to show the Agencies’ actions were ‘arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law …’ or ‘without observance of procedure required by law,’” the ruling concludes.

Construction of the South Mountain Freeway will begin in early September at the I-10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) traffic interchange. Crews also will begin relocating native plants along the right of way for transplanting later.

The 22-mile freeway, expected to open by late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley.

In February, ADOT finalized the state’s first highway public-private partnership agreement through which the project team, Connect 202 Partners, will build the freeway at a taxpayer savings of more than $100 million and will open it to traffic three years sooner than originally projected.

The fixed $916 million contract for design and construction makes this the largest highway project in state history. The development team will be responsible for 30 years of maintenance following the completion of the project, supporting construction with innovation and built-in cost efficiencies for the long term.

With construction scheduled to begin in early September, ADOT has been 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 2015.

The South Mountain Freeway will be constructed with four lanes in each direction – three general-use lanes and one HOV lane – and include modern features including rubberized asphalt and aesthetics reflecting the neighboring communities.

The full ruling is available at bit.ly/2bDBa4g.

For more information on the project, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.

PHOENIX – Because of structures the Arizona Department of Transportation has acquired in the future path of the South Mountain Freeway, probationary firefighters with the Rural/Metro Fire Department were able to practice what’s known as a mayday scenario, wearing blacked-out masks to simulate being trapped in a building filled with smoke.

At a former hotel, SWAT teams from various law enforcement agencies practiced responding to hostage situations. At homes scheduled to be removed, Phoenix firefighters learned how to cut through roofs to provide ventilation during fires.

In advance of Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway construction, ADOT has continued a tradition of working with first responders to provide real-world training opportunities using the controlled environment of vacant structures. Since last year, more than a dozen agencies have been able to train scores of personnel.

The Phoenix Fire Department was able to send 48 ladder companies as well as every recruit for rooftop-ventilation exercises.

“For the recruits, it is the opportunity to practice this critical skill prior to an actual event at 3 a.m., in the dark, or whenever the call may originate,” Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Riley said.  “The amount of training we were able to do was invaluable to our department.”

The Rural/Metro Fire Department held training in three homes. One presented a scenario in which crawling trainees who are unable to see through their air masks have a chain-link metal structure drop on them to simulate being trapped by a falling roof. This mayday drill forced them to communicate, work through the problem and breach a wall to get out.

“There is no question that the job these firefighters do is dangerous,” said Shawn Gilleland, a Rural/Metro Fire Department public information officer. “Partnering with ADOT, we are able to provide real world training in a very controlled environment.”

ADOT has acquired nearly 200 properties since receiving federal approval to move forward with the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. Using the structures for training before they are removed involves no expense for ADOT or the training agencies, other than a training agency needing to secure insurance beforehand.

“As a public safety agency, ADOT works hand in hand with police officers, firefighters and other first responders every day,” said Brian Rockwell, ADOT assistant chief right of way agent. “Much like the general public, we appreciate their life-saving efforts and were more than glad to be able to assist when we were approached by several agencies. The exercises provide valuable training that they might not have had otherwise and, in turn, are a tremendous benefit those these agencies serve.”

This training collaboration with Valley first responders dates back to the 1990s and has been used during construction on State Route 51 (Piestewa Freeway) and the Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) segment between 24th Street and the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) interchange.

Prior to any training, structures that will be used must have been tested and abated for asbestos. Depending on the nature of the training and the location of the structures being used, neighboring properties are advised by the agency involved several days in advance.

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 systems, create a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley, and provide an alternative to I-10 through downtown Phoenix.

With construction scheduled to begin later this summer, ADOT is conducting preliminary engineering, addressing cultural resources in the right of way, acquiring and preparing properties, and relocating utilities.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway and watch an ADOT video showcasing training opportunities with the Phoenix Fire Department and Rural/Metro Fire Department.

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.

PHOENIX – After beginning work along the southern alignment of the future Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, crews next week will start assessing soil conditions and the depth of groundwater along the western alignment.

On Monday, June 27, workers using drills will start on the embankment slope along eastbound Interstate 10 from the 59th Avenue on-ramp to the 51st Avenue off-ramp.

There will be a shoulder closure along the eastbound I-10 ramps between 59th and 51st avenues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays until work is completed. While this isn’t expected to have much effect on traffic, motorists should be alert for workers.

Assessing underground conditions will help engineers design the freeway’s pavement, bridges, walls and drainage structures. The latest work is where the South Mountain Freeway’s I-10 connecting ramps, frontage roads and retaining walls will be located.

Information on the soil, including its type, density, moisture content and strength, is essential prior to building any roadway and ensures that roads and bridges are properly designed and maintained to ensure longevity.

Throughout the entire 22-mile-long freeway corridor, workers will drill holes, called borings, and dig test pits up to 10 feet deep along the roadway alignment, and at 45 future bridge and retaining wall locations. Materials collected will be analyzed to create a profile of what lies beneath the surface.

There are expected to be 720 borings to depths of 5 to 175 feet. In all, there will be about 29,000 feet of drilling and 800 feet of backhoe pit excavation.

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.

Preparing for the start of construction, ADOT also is 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.

PHOENIX – Preparing for construction of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, Arizona Department of Transportation crews with drills and backhoes will begin assessing the condition of soil and rock as well as the depth of groundwater along the freeway alignment.

The work, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday and continue for several months, will help engineers plan the freeway’s pavement, bridges, walls and drainage structures.

Understanding the soil, including its type, density, moisture content and strength, is essential prior to building any roadway. For the 45 bridges that will be built for the South Mountain Freeway, the answers will help engineers determine how deep concrete foundations should be. Finding clay rather than hard rock in an area could require engineers to use thicker pavement, build a support base or replace the soil altogether.

Workers will drill holes, called borings, and dig test pits up to 10 feet deep along the roadway alignment, and at all future bridge and retaining wall locations. Materials collected will be analyzed to create a profile of what lies beneath much of the 22-mile corridor.

This initial work will occur only during the day, and it won’t affect traffic. There may be traffic impacts later along Pecos Road, and ADOT will send out traffic advisories in advance of that work.

There are expected to be 720 borings to depths of 5 to 175 feet. In all, there will be about 29,000 feet of drilling and 800 feet of backhoe pit excavation.

Crews have already begun marking locations for testing after receiving environmental clearance and working with Arizona 811 to ensure there are no conflicts beneath the surface, such as water, gas and electrical utility lines.

None of the current work will occur within South Mountain Park.

The South Mountain Freeway, which will run east and west along Pecos Road and then north and south near 59th Avenue, connecting with Interstate 10 on each end, is expected to open by late 2019. The freeway will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved twice by Maricopa County voters, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system.

With construction scheduled to begin this summer, ADOT is 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.

PHOENIX – Along the 22-mile corridor where the South Mountain Freeway will be built over the next few years, archaeologists are working to gather and recover items and information from the past that may have cultural or historic significance.

At one point along the freeway footprint, archaeologists are systematically digging 5-foot-deep trenches looking for signs that ancient people lived or farmed there. At other sites, archaeologists have found pottery pieces and 19th-century shotgun shells, among other items, and also documented historic petroglyphs.

Whether they contain evidence of those who inhabited this area in prehistoric times, artifacts from farms important to the area’s heritage or even an abandoned railroad, these sites must be managed according to federal and state historic preservation laws before freeway construction begins this summer.

Since the start of the study phase in 2001, ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration have been carrying out cultural resource studies and consulting tribal leaders, tribal historic preservation officers, state historic preservation offices, land managers and other stakeholders.

“Protecting and preserving cultural resources is the law, but it’s also the right and respectful thing to do,” said Linda Davis, who leads ADOT’s Historic Preservation Team.

By law, some of this work must remain confidential while it is happening, and sometimes a site will be fenced and monitored by security for safety reasons and to protect what ADOT’s research and field surveys suggest may be found there.

Federal and state regulations require ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration to identify and address any potential environmental impacts that could affect cultural or historic resources, air and water quality, wildlife, noise levels, hazardous waste and more before proceeding with any construction project.

This makes the agency one of the largest sponsors of archaeological research in Arizona. As part of its environmental planning process, the agency considers the effects of transportation projects on sensitive cultural resources by consulting with Native American communities, conducting research and limiting impacts from highway construction as much as possible.

When a site is determined to have historic or cultural significance, ADOT’s Historic Preservation Team develops a plan, in consultation with tribal leaders, tribal historic preservation officers, state historic preservation offices, land managers and other stakeholders to minimize harm from construction. At a site where construction will occur, archaeologists will gather items and information, a process referred to as data recovery.

Work at prehistoric and historic sites may include thorough documentation or excavation and extraction, analysis and preservation of artifacts, which can include sending the identified artifacts to an accredited repository, such as the Arizona State Museum, Museum of Northern Arizona, Pueblo Grande Museum or Huhugam Heritage Center. Historic structures are also documented.

“Building any transportation facility has consequences, including cultural and environmental impacts that ADOT is committed to minimizing as much as possible,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “In fulfilling its environmental commitments, including how it handles cultural resources, ADOT has to strike a balance between the need for a modern transportation network and protecting Arizona’s cultural heritage.”

The South Mountain Freeway, which will run east and west along Pecos Road and then north and south near 59th Avenue, connecting with Interstate 10 on each end, is expected to open by late 2019. The freeway will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved twice by Maricopa County voters, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the metropolitan area loop freeway system.

Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2016. Preliminary engineering, including geotechnical and utility work, and property acquisition and preparation, have been underway since spring 2015 after ADOT received final federal clearance to move forward.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.

PHOENIX – Rigorous analysis that included extensive public involvement, an overwhelming need for the project and a lack of viable alternatives are among the reasons a federal judge should dismiss lawsuits challenging the South Mountain Freeway, the Arizona Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration contend in a legal filing.

ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration are scheduled to present oral arguments on May 11 in U.S. District Court in Phoenix as a judge considers motions for summary judgment in the case.

In their motion filed April 25, the agencies note that Maricopa County voters twice approved building the South Mountain Freeway, most recently in 2004 through Proposition 400, which authorized the comprehensive, multimodal Regional Transportation Plan. They note the current and anticipated congestion on freeways and roads in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, especially Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix, and how a new freeway corridor will improve how people and goods get around.

ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration completed a rigorous 13-year analysis, taking into account thousands of formal comments from community members, according to the motion. That includes developing a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement that complies with federal law and follows best practices for transportation projects.

“The need for the South Mountain Freeway is clear, and Valley voters have realized this for more than 30 years. While there is no ‘perfect’ freeway project, ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration have worked to study the likely impacts of this project and designed ways to minimize those impacts, just as we have done for decades throughout the Valley as the freeway system was developed,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “You only need to travel through the Broadway Curve on I-10 during rush hour to see the problem – Phoenix today doesn’t have the highway capacity to meet traffic demand. The South Mountain Freeway will better meet today’s traffic needs, while supporting better mobility in the future.”

The 22-mile freeway, expected to open in late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley, and will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 systems.

In February, ADOT finalized the state’s first highway public-private partnership agreement through which the project team, Connect 202 Partners, will build the freeway at a taxpayer savings of more than $100 million and will open it to traffic three years sooner than originally projected. The fixed $916 million contract for design and construction makes this the largest highway project in state history. The development team will be responsible for 30 years of maintenance following the completion of the project, supporting construction with innovation and built-in cost efficiencies for the long term.

With construction scheduled to begin this summer, ADOT is 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.