Frequently asked questions

Rubberized asphalt has been used on the SMF to provide a smooth driving surface. It has the added benefit of reducing noise levels by up to four decibels. This material—used for more than 20 years to resurface highways and city streets in Arizona—consists of regular asphalt pavement mixed with recycled rubber tires. In addition to the benefits it provides on the roadway, rubberized asphalt also reduces the number of used tires in landfills. Final rubberized asphalt paving will occur in the spring of 2020.

Yes. ADOT continues to evaluate locations where light could be redirected while maintaining the safety of the motoring public. Careful consideration and planning go into adjusting lighting on a mainline urban freeway

Noise walls were built in locations that warranted noise mitigation in compliance with state and federal regulations based on noise modeling completed prior to construction. ADOT will continue to measure noise levels along the entire freeway corridor to evaluate impacts and ensure that noise levels remain at or below what is permitted by state and federal regulations. ADOT’s policy is to reduce the impact of freeway noise on adjacent homes, schools and churches by building sound walls or berms. Based on the noise modeling included in the Environmental Impact Statement, building sound walls ranging in heights from 16 to 20 feet adjacent to the residential communities would minimize the noise impacts of the freeway traffic and meet ADOT’s threshold of 64 decibels which is lower than the federal regulations (67 decibels). As a comparison, conversational speech is typically measured at 60 decibels.

A double roundabout interchange resembles the shape of a dog bone from an aerial view. This type of interchange will be constructed at Estrella Drive. Features of a double roundabout interchange:

• Reduces conflicts between vehicles
• Minimizes right of way impacts
• Improves efficiency
• Provides a safer design by eliminating the potential for perpendicular collisions

A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is based on a standard diamond interchange common in Arizona, but with one major difference —traffic shifts briefly on the left side of the road between highway ramps, allowing left turns without crossing oncoming traffic. The freeway will feature two half-DDIs in the Pecos Segment, as there are no connection points to the south. Features of a DDI:

• Innovative, proven solution for increased safety and mobility
• Able to move increased traffic more quickly and safely than traditional intersections
• Minimizes right of way footprint over some other types of interchanges
• Watch a video about driving on the half DDI here

A shared-use path is a physically separated path adjacent to a highway. It accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists and other forms of non-vehicular traffic. The 20-foot wide shared-use path is being constructed between 40th Street and 17th Avenue directly south of the freeway in the Pecos Segment. While C202P is responsible for the design and construction of the shared-use path, the city of Phoenix will be responsible for maintaining the path. Additionally, the shared-use path will provide connectivity complementing the city of Phoenix Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan.

Interchange locations were determined during the environmental phase of the project, based on traffic modeling and regional mobility needs. During this process, ADOT coordinated with the city of Phoenix and a Citizens Advisory Team to identify interchange locations. Initially, interchanges were not planned for 32nd Street and Vee Quiva Way. The interchanges were added to the project after construction began in 2016 at the request of area residents, businesses and other key stakeholders and following a re-evaluation of the environmental study.

Fifteen traffic interchanges will be located at the following major street crossings:

Since the P3 method encourages innovation and optimization of efficiencies, the current freeway design incorporates some changes from the early design concepts that minimize the right of way impacts while increasing safety and reducing traffic restrictions during construction. Innovation and efficiency examples throughout the freeway corridor include:

Half diverging diamond interchanges at Desert Foothills Parkway and 17th Avenue

Modifying interchanges to improve traffic operations and minimize right of way requirements

Double roundabout configuration at Estrella Drive

Shared-use path along the Pecos Segment

Pedestrian bridge in the Salt River Segment

Yes. The state retains ownership of the SMF, and C202P is granted a non-exclusive license (not ownership) for 30 years to access and use the freeway and its structures to carry out operations and maintenance. C202P must return to the state a freeway in excellent condition at the end of the maintenance period in 2050. Although C202P must maintain the freeway, ADOT can make improvements, if warranted, at its own cost. Like other state freeway projects, improvements would need to be identified in the Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program and approved by the State Transportation Board.