South Mountain Freeway

South Mountain Freeway comment deadline extended to Dec. 29

South Mountain Freeway comment deadline extended to Dec. 29

I-17 101 traffic interchange

South Mountain Freeway comment deadline extended to Dec. 29

South Mountain Freeway comment deadline extended to Dec. 29

November 28, 2014

PHOENIX – With the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration issuing an addendum – called an Errata – to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed South Mountain Freeway, the comment period has been extended to Dec. 29 for final comments before a Record of Decision is issued in 2015.

Of the more than 8,000 comments received during the public review period for the South Mountain Freeway Draft Environmental Impact Statement, it was noted that 10 comments submitted in 2013 were inadvertently not relayed to the study team for incorporation into the Final Environmental Impact Statement, which was released Sept. 26. As a result, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration issued a “Notice of Omission” in the Federal Register and published an Errata to the Final Environmental Impact Statement.

The Errata contains the 10 comments and formal responses to those comments; it will be available for a 30-day public review period. The Errata can be found at these 18 locations:

  • Phoenix Public Library – Cesar Chavez; 3635 W. Baseline Road, Laveen; 602.262.4636
  • Phoenix Public Library – Desert Sage; 7602 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix; 602.262.4636
  • Phoenix Public Library – Ironwood; 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix; 602.262.4636
  • Phoenix Public Library – Burton Barr; 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.262.4636
  • Chandler Sunset Library; 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler; 480.782.2800
  • Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library; 495 E. Western Ave., Avondale; 623.333.2565
  • Tolleson West Public Library; 9555 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson; 623.936.2746
  • Tempe Public Library; 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe; 480.350.5500
  • ADOT Environmental Planning Group; 1611 W. Jackson St., Phoenix; 602.712.7767 (call for appointment)
  • Gila River Indian Community District 1 Service Center; 15747 N. Shegoi Road, Coolidge; 520.215.2110
  • Gila River Indian Community District 2 Service Center; 9239 W. Sacaton Flats Road, Sacaton; 520.562.3450/520.562.3358/520.562.1807
  • Gila River Indian Community District 3 Service Center; 31 N. Church St., Sacaton; 520.562.2700
  • Gila River Indian Community District 4 Service Center; 1510 W. Santan St., Sacaton; 520.418.3661/520.418.3228
  • Gila River Indian Community District 5 Service Center; 3456 W. Casa Blanca Road, Bapchule; 520.315.3441/520.315.3445
  • Gila River Indian Community District 6 Service Center; 5230 W. St. Johns Road, Laveen; 520.550.3805/520.550.3806/520.550.3557
  • Gila River Indian Community District 7 Service Center; 8201 W. Baseline Road, Laveen; 520.430.4780
  • Gila River Indian Community – Ira Hayes Library; 94 N. Church St., Sacaton; 520.562.3225
  • Gila River Indian Community Communications & Public Affairs Office; 525 W. Gu U Ki Road, Sacaton; 520.562.9851

A Record of Decision is expected in early 2015. The final decision on construction of the freeway is a cooperative effort involving ADOT, the Federal Highway Administration and the Maricopa Association of Governments as the regional planning agency. The corridor is part of a comprehensive, voter-approved regional plan developed by the Maricopa Association of Governments, and ADOT serves as the agency responsible for implementation of that plan, with the Federal Highway Administration providing the oversight required to use federal transportation funds.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway, email [email protected], call 602.712.7006, or write to ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Missed comments spur addendum to South Mountain Freeway environmental report

Missed comments spur addendum to South Mountain Freeway environmental report

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Missed comments spur addendum to South Mountain Freeway environmental report

Missed comments spur addendum to South Mountain Freeway environmental report

November 6, 2014

PHOENIX – As part of the public review period for the South Mountain Freeway Final Environmental Impact Statement, it was noted that 10 comments submitted in 2013 on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement were inadvertently not relayed to the study team for incorporation into the Final Environmental Impact Statement, which was released Sept. 26.

This was a technical issue with how a few of the received emails were handled. Measures have been put into place to better document comments when received, and relay them to the study team. In all, nearly 8,000 comments were received on this project from residents, groups and other agencies during the review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

As a result of the 10 missed comments, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have decided to issue a formal “Notice of Omission” in the Federal Register and publish an Errata to the Final Environmental Impact Statement.

The Errata will include the 10 omitted comments and formal responses to those comments; it will be available for a 30-day public review period.

The South Mountain Freeway Corridor Study Team remains committed to completing a thorough and rigorous process for studying the proposed South Mountain Freeway.

A Record of Decision is expected in early 2015. The final decision on construction of the freeway is a cooperative effort, involving ADOT, the Federal Highway Administration and the Maricopa Association of Governments as the regional planning agency. As a corridor that is part of a comprehensive regional plan developed by the Maricopa Association of Governments, ADOT serves as the agency responsible for implementation of the plan, with the Federal Highway Administration providing the federal oversight required to use federal transportation funds.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway, email [email protected], call 602.712.7006, or write to ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W Jackson St., MD126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

South Mountain Freeway Final Environmental Impact Statement now available for public review

South Mountain Freeway Final Environmental Impact Statement now available for public review

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South Mountain Freeway Final Environmental Impact Statement now available for public review

South Mountain Freeway Final Environmental Impact Statement now available for public review

September 26, 2014

South Mountain Freeway Statement Card

Remember when we told you about the South Mountain Draft Environmental Impact Statement last year? Or how about when we gave you a look at the South Mountain Freeway public meetings?

If you’re looking for an update, you’ll want to keep on reading because we’ve got new information to share...

60-day review period begins today

ADOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the long-proposed South Mountain Freeway, the final link in the voter-approved loop system of freeways serving the Phoenix region.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement is the next step in the federally required review process, and provides the public with a final opportunity to review the preferred action as a result of the South Mountain Transportation Corridor Study.

The process

The environmental review process, which includes preparing both the draft and final environmental impact statements, was conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and has identified a preferred route for this freeway corridor – running east and west along Pecos Road and then north between 55th and 63rd avenues, connecting with Interstate 10 on each end. The Final Environmental Impact Statement also formally documents the analysis of potential impacts associated with the proposed freeway and the No-Build Alternative, and addresses comments received on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement was published in April 2013 and a public hearing was held in May 2013.

The 60-day public review window is twice the amount of time required under federal law.

The 60-day review period ends Nov. 25. Comments received during the 60-day Final Environmental Impact Statement review period will be considered in the Record of Decision, the final decision-making document prepared by the Federal Highway Administration. The Record of Decision is expected to be finalized in late 2014 and available for public review in early 2015.

If the preferred alternative is the selected alternative in the Record of Decision, funding to begin construction of the South Mountain Freeway is available as soon as 2015, according to the state’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. ADOT has determined that, pursuant to an unsolicited proposal submitted to construct the freeway, construction will follow a public-private partnership path, helping to speed construction and reduce the overall cost of the project. The freeway would not be tolled under any public-private partnership proposal, but would include a private group involved with design, construction and maintenance of the 22-mile-long freeway.

The proposed South Mountain Freeway has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding through Proposition 300 approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. The freeway was also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.

The South Mountain Freeway is the last piece to complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system necessary for high-quality regional mobility, according to regional planners.

P3 Chosen for South Mountain Freeway Procurement

P3 Chosen for South Mountain Freeway Procurement

I-17 101 traffic interchange

P3 Chosen for South Mountain Freeway Procurement

P3 Chosen for South Mountain Freeway Procurement

July 31, 2014

The Arizona Department of Transportation, in close collaboration with the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Arizona Division of the Federal Highway Administration, has selected the project delivery approach that will be used to construct the South Mountain Freeway in the event that the Final Environmental Impact Statement indicates a preferred alternative rather than the no-build option. The South Mountain Freeway will be procured as a single project using a public-private partnership approach. The Design-Build-Maintain delivery mechanism will include a long-term maintenance component but will not include a private finance option.

This decision was made after more than a year’s worth of analysis following the submission of an unsolicited proposal. The submission provided an opportunity for ADOT to explore several ways of delivering the project in the event the federal environmental impact process recommends a preferred alternative. This extensive analysis considered a traditional design-bid-build approach, several design-build options, and public-private partnership (P3) alternatives including those with maintenance options, private finance options, or both. Using a Value for Money approach, ADOT and its partner agencies determined which approach would provide the best value for Arizona taxpayers, which would allow the agency to mitigate risk most effectively, and which would provide the most efficient delivery option.

Nothing in this selection impacts the Final Environmental Impact Statement.  No further procurement activities will move forward until the Final Environmental Impact Statement is released in mid to late September. Following the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement, if it recommends a build alternative, ADOT will release a Request for Qualifications. This will serve to notify the industry of the qualifications that ADOT and its partners are seeking in potential bidders. Responders will have approximately six weeks to submit their required qualifications and will be notified approximately four weeks later of those firms or consortia of firms that are selected for the short list of potential bidders.

South Mountain Freeway Public-Private Partnership Concept Advances

South Mountain Freeway Public-Private Partnership Concept Advances

I-17 101 traffic interchange

South Mountain Freeway Public-Private Partnership Concept Advances

South Mountain Freeway Public-Private Partnership Concept Advances

February 6, 2014

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has released a Request for Information related to the proposal to construct the South Mountain Freeway as a public-private partnership, if the freeway is approved through the ongoing federal environmental process.

Those with an interest in the public-private partnership proposal are encouraged to submit responses to outlined questions to ADOT’s Office of P3 Initiatives by Feb. 25. Comments should focus on the construction of the proposed South Mountain Freeway as a public-private partnership, with an emphasis on procurement methods and structure of a public-private partnership arrangement.

The purpose of this Request for Information is to seek the industry’s perspective and feedback on specific questions, and to provide an opportunity for industry input on the overall procurement process for the proposed project. Interested organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit responses with detailed comments. The information contained in the responses to this Request for Information will help ADOT advance planning and development efforts for the project; help confirm or refine ADOT’s project procurement, financing and delivery approach; and may result in the launch of a formal Request for Proposals.

A forum for industry representatives will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 27 in the ADOT Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave. in Phoenix. Seating for the industry forum is limited, and reservations should be made by contacting [email protected].

This Request for Information is the next step for the unsolicited public-private partnership proposal submitted to ADOT in 2013 – the first unsolicited proposal for a highway public-private partnership submitted to the agency. Under state law, ADOT is required to conduct a review of the proposal before deciding if the concept merits an open solicitation for other companies to submit competitive proposals.

The South Mountain Freeway remains a corridor under study, and this public-private partnership proposal has no impact on the ongoing environmental impact statement that is scheduled to be finalized in 2014. The environmental impact statement must be completed and acceptable to the Federal Highway Administration regardless of how the proposed project is funded or constructed.

Public-private partnerships allow a private-sector entity to participate in the delivery of a transportation project. ADOT has authority to partner with the private sector to build or improve Arizona transportation facilities.

Submissions to the Request for Information for the South Mountain Freeway and RSVPs for the industry forum can be submitted electronically to [email protected].

For more information on ADOT’s public-private partnership program, or for a copy of the Request for Information, visit azdot.gov/P3.

A look at the South Mountain Freeway public meetings

A look at the South Mountain Freeway public meetings

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A look at the South Mountain Freeway public meetings

A look at the South Mountain Freeway public meetings

August 2, 2013

ADOT hosted a public hearing and several community forums over the last few months to get input on the South Mountain Freeway draft Environmental Impact Statement...

If you attended one of those meetings, you know that they were a chance to learn more about the project A look at the South Mountain Freeway public meetings and give your feedback.

If you didn’t attend, but want to know what you missed out on, you’re in luck!

The video above gives a great overview of the events and shows how public input is a vital part of any ADOT project.

ADOT Assistant Communication Director Brock Barnhart explains in the video that the dialog doesn’t end after you give your feedback. All of the comments are considered before moving forward.

“The next step is to compile all the different comments and then we start responding to those comments,” Barnhart says. “From there we’d be looking to share with the public the final environmental impact statement again going through a 60-day comment period and then were looking for a record of decision from our federal partners.”

Public-Private Partnership Proposal Submitted for South Mountain Freeway

Public-Private Partnership Proposal Submitted for South Mountain Freeway

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Public-Private Partnership Proposal Submitted for South Mountain Freeway

Public-Private Partnership Proposal Submitted for South Mountain Freeway

July 25, 2013

PHOENIX — A group of private companies has suggested a public-private partnership to construct the proposed South Mountain Freeway, perhaps paving the way to a faster and less-expensive model for construction. The highway, if built under this proposal, would not be a toll road.

This is the first unsolicited proposal for a highway public-private partnership submitted to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Under state law, ADOT is required to conduct an initial review of the proposal – which the private companies pay for – before deciding if the concept merits an open solicitation for other companies to submit competitive proposals.

The South Mountain Freeway remains a corridor under study, and this public-private partnership proposal has no impact on the ongoing environmental impact statement that is scheduled to be finalized in 2014. The environmental impact statement must be completed and acceptable to the Federal Highway Administration regardless of how the proposed project is funded or constructed.

“Any public-private partnership proposal has to be aligned with the goals and interests of taxpayers. We look for concepts that can be done better, faster and less expensively, providing real value for the traveling public,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “As the first unsolicited proposal for a highway project, this concept shows the role ADOT is playing in seeking innovative solutions to address the state’s transportation challenges.”

Following the initial review of the concept, ADOT will complete a more detailed analysis of the partnership proposal. If the proposal passes this second phase, and there is a determination of merit, ADOT may use any part or the entire unsolicited proposal as the basis for a request for proposals seeking other firms to submit competitive proposals.

The private companies – led by Kiewit Development Co., Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Sundt Construction, Inc. and Parsons Corporation – are working under the name South Mountain Development Group. The group has outlined several potential benefits of the public-private partnership:

  • Examine constructing the entire corridor at a lower cost and ahead of the current planned schedule
  • Explore private sector investment and financial solutions that may maximize the use and allocation of limited public funds with no tolling or user fees
  • Offer flexibility to adapt to changes in project concept, with no involvement in the environmental process or selection of the project alignment
  • Provide significant subcontracting and job opportunities for local contractors to ensure the greatest benefit to the local economy and taxpayers

According to an executive summary of the proposal submitted by South Mountain Development Group, “The primary goal of the proposal is to provide value to ADOT and the people of Arizona by exploring concept definition, scope and financial solutions to advance the project’s development. The South Mountain Freeway is a critical project to the region and its economic recovery. It has been on the books for 30 years and has been part of a regional freeway plan approved on two separate ballot measures, first in 1985 and again in 2004. Early delivery of this project will reduce congestion, create an economic boost by generating much needed construction jobs and provide a long awaited route to bypass downtown Phoenix.”

Public-private partnerships allow a private sector entity to participate in the delivery of a transportation project. ADOT has authority to partner with the private sector to build or improve Arizona transportation facilities.

A public-private partnership, often simply called a P3, refers to the contractual agreement between a public agency and a private sector entity that allows the private sector entity to have greater participation in the delivery of a transportation project. Using traditional project delivery methods, ADOT bears all of the risks and responsibilities for a project. Under a public-private partnership, the private partner takes on some or all of the project's risks and responsibilities.

For more information on ADOT’s public-private partnership program, visit azdot.gov/P3.

South Mountain Freeway public comment window nears end

South Mountain Freeway public comment window nears end

I-17 101 traffic interchange

South Mountain Freeway public comment window nears end

South Mountain Freeway public comment window nears end

July 15, 2013

PHOENIX —After 90-days of public meetings and comment, the window for public comment on the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed South Mountain Freeway will close on July 24.

During this 90-day comment period – twice the length required by federal law – the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have conducted a day-long public hearing and a series of community forums to help residents learn about the proposed project, and submit formal input and questions.

All comments and questions will be addressed as part of the final environmental impact statement, which is set for release in 2014. This final document will have a 60-day public review and comment period. A record of decision from the Federal Highway Administration is expected in 2014.

Comments on the draft environmental impact statement are currently being accepted through July 24 via these methods:

  • Providing input by email at [email protected]
  • Submitting online comments at azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway
  • Calling 602.712.7006
  • By mail to the South Mountain Study Team, 1655 W. Jackson St. MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The six-chapter draft environmental impact statement covers potential impacts from building or not building a freeway, coordination with the Gila River Indian Community, purpose and need for a new freeway, alternatives studied and public outreach efforts since the study was launched in 2001.

The proposed South Mountain Freeway has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding through Proposition 300 approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. The freeway was also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.

Funding for the South Mountain Freeway is already available in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan. Construction of the freeway, if approved, could begin as soon as 2015. The eight-lane freeway would run from I-10 in the West Valley along 59th Avenue, cut across the southwest corner of South Mountain Park, and connect with Pecos Road on the south side of Ahwatukee to connect with I-10 and the Loop 202 Santan Freeway. The 22-mile-long freeway has a $1.9 billion budget, allocated through voter-approved transportation funds as outlined in the Regional Transportation Plan.

For more information on the draft environmental impact statement for the South Mountain Freeway, please visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.

South Mountain community forums provide opportunity to comment on proposed freeway

South Mountain community forums provide opportunity to comment on proposed freeway

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South Mountain community forums provide opportunity to comment on proposed freeway

South Mountain community forums provide opportunity to comment on proposed freeway

June 4, 2013

A formal public hearing was held May 21.

Got an opinion on the proposed South Mountain Freeway, but couldn’t make it to last month’s daylong public hearing?

Don’t worry. There are still plenty of opportunities to give us your feedback, including a series of community forums that starts tonight.

While these forums are not formal public hearings and will not include presentations, they will allow you to view the study video, talk with technical experts about the draft environmental impact statement and provide comments to a court reporter. These community forums are a chance for you to learn more about the project and provide comments for the formal record.

The forums will be held

  • June 4, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sunridge Elementary School – Cafetorium, 6244 W. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix.
  • June 18, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Foothills Golf Club – Saguaro Room, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive in Phoenix.
  • June 22, 9 a.m. to noon at the Komatke Boys and Girls Club, 5047 W. Pecos Road on the Gila River Indian Community.
  • June 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Windmill Suites – Arizona Ballroom, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler.
  • July 9, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Laveen Education Center – Boardroom, 5001 W. Dobbins Road in Laveen.
  • July 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Avondale – Ballroom, 11460 W. Hilton Way in Avondale.

Other ways to comment
Comments are being accepted through July 24 and besides the forums, ADOT has other ways for you to give your input, including

  • providing input by email at [email protected].
  • submitting online comments at azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.
  • calling 602.712.7006.
  • by mail to the South Mountain Study Team, 1655 W. Jackson St. MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

All comments and questions will be addressed as part of the final environmental impact statement, which is set for release in 2014. This final document will have a 60-day public review period. A record of decision from the Federal Highway Administration is expected in 2014.

More on the proposed project
The six-chapter draft environmental impact statement covers potential impacts from building or not building a freeway, coordination with the Gila River Indian Community, purpose and need for a new freeway, alternatives studied and public outreach efforts since the study was launched in 2001.

blog-2013-0604-forum2

May 21 formal public hearing.

The proposed South Mountain Freeway has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding through Proposition 300 approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. The freeway was also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.

Funding for the South Mountain Freeway is already available in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan; construction of the freeway, if approved, could begin as soon as 2015. The eight-lane freeway would run from I-10 in the West Valley along 59th Avenue, cut across the southwest corner of South Mountain Park, and connect with Pecos Road on the south side of Ahwatukee to connect with I-10 and the Loop 202 Santan Freeway. The 22- to 24-mile-long freeway has a $1.9 billion budget, allocated through voter-approved transportation funds as outlined in the Regional Transportation Plan.

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

I-17 101 traffic interchange

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

May 29, 2013

PHOENIX — A series of six community forums will be conducted by the Arizona Department of Transportation beginning June 4 to provide additional opportunities for members of the public to comment on the proposed South Mountain Freeway.

While these forums are not formal public hearings and will not include presentations, they will allow members of the public to view the study video, talk with technical experts about the draft environmental impact statement and provide comments to a court reporter.

Forums will be held:

  • June 4, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sunridge Elementary School – Cafetorium, 6244 W. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix.
  • June 18, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Foothills Golf Club – Saguaro Room, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive in Phoenix.
  • June 22, 9 a.m. to noon at the Komatke Boys and Girls Club, 5047 W. Pecos Road on the Gila River Indian Community.
  • June 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Windmill Suites – Arizona Ballroom, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler.
  • July 9, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Laveen Education Center – Boardroom, 5001 W. Dobbins Road in Laveen.
  • July 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Avondale – Ballroom, 11460 W. Hilton Way in Avondale.

These community forums provide an opportunity beyond the formal public hearing, which was held May 21, for members of the public from across the region to learn more about the project and provide comments for the formal record.

All comments and questions will be addressed as part of the final environmental impact statement, which is set for release in 2014. This final document will have a 60-day public review period. A record of decision from the Federal Highway Administration is expected in 2014.

Those with comments about the proposed South Mountain Freeway don’t need to wait until a community forum – comments are currently being accepted through July 24, via these channels:

The six-chapter draft environmental impact statement covers potential impacts from building or not building a freeway, coordination with the Gila River Indian Community, purpose and need for a new freeway, alternatives studied and public outreach efforts since the study was launched in 2001.

The proposed South Mountain Freeway has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding through Proposition 300 approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. The freeway was also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.

Funding for the South Mountain Freeway is already available in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan; construction of the freeway, if approved, could begin as soon as 2015. The eight-lane freeway would run from I-10 in the West Valley along 59th Avenue, cut across the southwest corner of South Mountain Park, and connect with Pecos Road on the south side of Ahwatukee to connect with I-10 and the Loop 202 Santan Freeway. The 22- to 24-mile-long freeway has a $1.9 billion budget, allocated through voter-approved transportation funds as outlined in the Regional Transportation Plan.

For more information on the draft environmental impact statement or the community forums for the South Mountain Freeway, please visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.