After more than two decades, demolition has finally started on the long awaited South Mountain Freeway. While many people are excited for the new freeway that will run east and west along Pecos Road and then turn north between 55th and 63rd avenues, connecting with Interstate 10 on each end, others are taking a stand against the construction.
For years, people that live in the communities that run parallel to Pecos road have been doing their best to try and stop the project, “to keep the noise pollution, air pollution and light pollution,” out of their back yards. However, the state has already purchased nearly 200 vacant properties that they have scheduled for demolition and while there is still an ongoing legal battle, it appears the state has no intention on stopping construction.
While most homeowners took the money the state gave them and moved to new areas, some still remain in their homes, unwilling to accept the states money.
The state hopes that the freeway will free up traffic and give more mobility to the Phoenix Valley.
The South Mountain Freeway is expected to begin construction in 2016 and plans to open in early 2020.
For more information see ADOT’s project overview.