ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona leaders celebrate upcoming South Mountain Freeway opening

Dec 18, 2019, 3:00 PM | Updated: Dec 19, 2019, 1:50 pm

PHOENIX — State and city leaders held a ceremony Wednesday morning to celebrate the upcoming opening of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway.

Officials said the 22-mile freeway will open to drivers before the end of the year, but they would not give a specific date.

The road connects Interstate 10 from the Loop 202 Santan Freeway in the East Valley to I-10 at 59th Avenue in the West Valley, allowing drivers to bypass downtown Phoenix.

Construction on the freeway began in 2016. It is expected to carry about 117,000 vehicles each day in its first year.

The state’s largest single freeway project was also the first in Arizona’s history to be constructed through a public-private partnership.

Gov. Doug Ducey’s office said in a press release this arrangement allowed the road to be completed three years early and save more than $100 million.

Ducey, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwill and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.

“Arizona has solidified its reputation as a state that is open for opportunity, and as we welcome hundreds of new residents every day, we are making sure our infrastructure remains some of the best in America,” Ducey said in the release.

“This Loop 202 opening represents a big step forward in connecting the East and West Valleys, as well as prioritizing safety for drivers.”

In October, the state Board on Geographic and Historic Names approved “Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway” as an honorary designation for the road in memory of the late congressman.

Array

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

PHOENIX — Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits. Integrated Biometrics, a South Carolina-based company, has a facility in Chandler near Kyrene Road and Chandler Boulevard. The company recently expanded its Chandler facility by around 8,000 square feet, according to […]

40 minutes ago

Arizona State Parks and Trails will raise fees....

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

PHOENIX — Visitors to Arizona parks and trails are going to be paying a little more starting on Feb. 25. Arizona State Parks and Trails, which does not rely on taxpayer dollars to operate parks, announced Thursday that the agency will increase fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for its 33 locations to help […]

56 minutes ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

12 hours ago

Economists foresee labor shortages in construction and agriculture as a result of President Donald ...

Matthew DeWees and Katrina Michalak/Cronkite News

Donald Trump’s mass deportations could mean higher costs and labor shortages in Arizona

Deportations ordered by President Trump could hit Arizona’s agriculture and construction sectors hard, pushing up prices for shoppers.

16 hours ago

Immigration Arizona criminal charges 565 people USAO...

Payne Moses

More than 500 charged with immigration-related crime in Arizona over recent 2-week period

From Jan. 21-Feb. 3, a total of 565 people were charged with illegal immigration activity by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

19 hours ago

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

23 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Arizona leaders celebrate upcoming South Mountain Freeway opening