Gilbert residents to discuss possible new exit off local freeway

Those in the East Valley who drive the Loop 202 Santan freeway may see a new exit in the future.

The town of Gilbert is studying whether or not to create on and off ramps at the Loop 202 and Lindsay Road. Both Gilbert Road and Val Vista Drive have exits from the freeway, but they are two miles apart. Lindsay Road is a mile between both roads.

Leah Hubbard Rhineheimer, assistant to the town manager in Gilbert, said a new interchange could help ease traffic congestion on both Gilbert Road and Val Vista Drive.

“In just the last 20 years, [Gilbert’s] population has quadrupled,” said Rhineheimer. “That particular area is one of our key employment and economic development corridors.”

Right now, the project is in the design concept report phase. Rhineheimer called it a big research project.

“What we’re doing is evaluating what traffic patterns are today [and] what they look to be in the future,” Rhineheimer said.

If the project is ultimately approved, construction would likely not start for another few years. Rhineheimer said it is important for town residents to voice their support or their concerns about the potential project. They will also give residents information about the project and what the next steps are in the process. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday night at the Southeast Regional Library, off of Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads.