South Mountain Freeway: Tribe reviewing alternative map

The Maricopa Association of Governments and the Gila River Indian Community have released a map of an alternative route for the planned South Mountain Freeway, which would connect Chandler to Laveen. The planned $1.9 billion extension of Loop 202 would link west Phoenix to Chandler with a 22-mile, eight-lane freeway. Tribe members are reviewing the alternative route and voicing views during meetings this month. The Gila River Tribal Council could vote on the alternative route as soon as February. If approved by the tribe, the new route would run south from 51st Avenue in Phoenix past Pecos Road and onto Gila River land. It would connect with the eastern edge of Loop 202 just beyond 48th Street and Pecos Road. Most of the route would be one-quarter to one-half mile south of Pecos Road, said MAG senior engineer Robert Hazlett. Hazlett said the new route would be an at-grade freeway with exits at 51st Avenue, 17th Avenue, Desert Foothills Parkway, 24th Street and 40th Street. There also would be wildlife crossings at 51st and 17th avenues.

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