Frequently asked questions

C202P is the developer responsible for the design, building and maintenance of the SMF for 30 years after completion of construction. The team consists of Fluor Enterprises Inc., Granite Construction Co. and Ames Construction Inc., with WSP Inc. as the lead designer.

A P3 refers to the contractual agreement between a public agency and a private sector entity to have greater participation in the delivery of a transportation project. By securing a P3, the entire SMF project can be constructed as one project rather than nine, as originally scheduled, which accelerated project delivery by at least three years. For additional information on the P3 process please visit the P3 Initiatives page.

The freeway was funded by state, federal and local dollars. It is not tolled. The final design, construction and 30-year maintenance of the freeway occurred through a public-private partnership (P3) agreement with C202P. This P3 not only expedited construction, but also reduced the overall cost. This project would have cost an estimated $100 million more than it did if ADOT had not utilized a P3 and the design-build project delivery method.

A right red arrow means No Right on Red, and should be treated as a red traffic light, per the Arizona Driver’s License Manual. This means traffic cannot turn right on red and must remain stopped until the arrow turns green.

C202P will handle all maintenance, including pothole repairs, signage, rehabilitation and striping. C202P must adhere to strict performance standards set forth by ADOT. If the highway is not maintained to these specified performance measures, C202P will incur financial penalties.

The SMF project is part of a Design-Build-Maintain Agreement, or DBMA. The DBMA is between C202Pand ADOT. C202P, who is responsible for the design-build work, will also be responsible for maintaining the freeway for 30 years.

The project team anticipates 59th Avenue will be open to traffic in summer 2020. On 59th Avenue – like many other major roadways adjacent to and part of the freeway project – intermittent street and lane closures are required for the safety of the community. When closures are in place, adequate detours with clear signage are provided.

ADOT sends weekly emails and text message alerts regarding construction activities, restrictions and closures. ADOT encourages individuals who live or travel near the future freeway to sign up for project alerts on the Follow Us page.

Dust control is always a priority for the construction team. Keeping the soil moist during ground-disturbing activities is the most effective means for preventing dust. Water spraying and soil stabilization materials are used in all construction areas before, during and after construction activity.

There are two primary sources of noise during major construction activities: equipment engine noise and back-up alarms. While the construction team understands these alarms can be disruptive to nearby residents, they are a vital safety feature proven to reduce the number of construction fatalities. OSHA requires the alarms to be used and to be audible above the surrounding construction noise.

The below activities are subject to change and are weather dependent: April/May 2020 ​Ramp barrier and catch basins Grading and paving 32nd Street southbound: road construction through end of April/early May 32nd Street northbound: road construction in early May to June June/July 2020 ​Cast in place walls Visual wall footings and masonry for ramps Grading and paving Drainage and basin culverts

The shared-use path is scheduled for completion this fall.

ADOT will keep the public up-to-date throughout construction of the freeway. Information is available on the project website; be sure to sign up for weekly email and text message alerts (sign up through the Follow Us page).

A construction schedule is available on the Construction Info page. ADOT encourages community members to visit the Follow Us page and sign up for project and construction alerts and updates, which are sent weekly via email and/or text message.

Although the freeway is open to traffic, various construction activities remain ongoing. These activities may include street improvements that require minor traffic shifts; landscaping; construction of the shared-use path; construction of the 32nd Street traffic interchange ramps; construction of the 59th Avenue frontage road in the I-10 Segment; rubberized asphalt paving; final striping and installation of reflectors on the east- and westbound lanes in the Pecos Segment; and other activities on I-10. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2020.

Highway traffic as a noise source creates complexities when it comes to analysis and mitigation, and ADOT understands that you may have additional questions. There are many factors, all of which are relevant, such as traffic volumes and speed, traffic mix, pavement and atmospheric conditions that can impact noise levels. That is why the Federal Highway Administration has provided regulation and guidance on how to analyze and mitigate highway-related noise. The following resources provide information you might find useful:

ADOT will share the results of field noise measurements with its project partners, including members of the public and key stakeholders. ADOT will make every reasonable effort to address concerns and be innovative and flexible within the federal and state regulatory framework for noise mitigation. Keep in mind that if the noise levels (expressed in LeqA1h) are at or above 64 dBA, it does not guarantee a noise wall will be constructed, as other factors must also be considered. ADOT will explore other possible innovative methods to reduce noise levels.

Allow one to two weeks following testing for the team to analyze data and compile the technical memorandum. Once completed, ADOT will post information on the project website at SouthMountainFreeway.com. Schedules are subject to change because of the pandemic and other unforeseen situations.

Given the length of the corridor, number of residential areas and limited number of hours in the morning and afternoon for measurements, ADOT anticipates that each round of noise measurements will take approximately three to four weeks to complete. ADOT will make every effort to complete the measurements as quickly as possible, but also must account for unforeseen events that might require repeating of noise measurements.

At this time, ADOT is not scheduling noise measurements at specific homes or locations upon request. In alignment with the Final EIS, ADOT will conduct noise measurements in noise-sensitive areas along the entire corridor and share the results of decibel readings in correlation with each location.