DESERT
FOOTHILLS – About 125 people attended the state transportation
department’s public hearing earlier this month for the proposed
alignment of the Estrella Freeway‑Loop 303.
The
Arizona Department of Transportation held the hearing to talk
with area residents and get public comments prior to moving
forward with the design and construction of the project. Construction
of the highway is scheduled to begin in 2008.
The
proposed Loop 303 extension will extend from Happy Valley Road
to Interstate 17, and connect to I‑17 at the Lone Mountain
alignment.
The
hearing attracted some residents from the nearby Stetson Hills
development, area commuters, real estate agents and others.
“I
live on the west side and am looking for a fast way to get around
the north side of the city,” said Mark Bursheim, of El Mirage,
who attended the hearing.
Real
estate agent Susan Ramsey said she attended because, in her
line of work, she needs to keep up with highway expansions.
Stetson
Hills resident Jeanne Sapon said she wanted to see how close
the proposed road would come to her backyard.
“The
initial study showed the road would be right behind us. It looks
like they changed the alignment,” Sapon said.
During
a brief question and answer session, one resident asked how
construction of the loop would affect traffic.
An
ADOT official said area traffic will be detoured but he did
not provide details.
ADOT
spokesman Doug Nintzel said, “We didn’t find a lot of concerns
with most of the residents in attendance. It emphasizes the
fact that most of the (loop) construction is in an undeveloped
location owned by the state land trust.”
After
the comment period, the next step is for the state to adopt
the alignment, then move into the design and construction phase.
The
environmental assessment document is available to read online
at the ADOT Web site at www.dot.state.az.us/.
