Freeway improvements in District 2
Citizen complaints of noise in neighborhoods next to existing freeways have increased, despite construction of noise walls and berms. In many locations, measured noise levels have exceeded forecasted levels as traffic volumes have grown much faster than anticipated.
It will be much quieter when the rubber meets the road on the city freeways. The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin laying rubberized asphalt on the Loop 101 between Union Hills and Tatum Boulevard and along SR-51 between Shea Boulevard and Bell Road in early fall, earlier than the 2005 date previously scheduled.
I am proud to represent a city that, through progressive thinking, has accelerated the schedule for paving Phoenix freeways with rubberized asphalt. ADOT needed $8.2 million and three years to pave nearly 90 miles of Phoenix freeways. Instead of waiting, Phoenix loaned ADOT the money, which will be repaid in full.
Construction is planned between August and October and most likely will take part within several weekends and possibly nights. Currently, ADOT and city personnel are planning and coordinating the traffic control activities to minimize disruptions to Phoenix residents.
Phoenix freeways could be repaved with rubberized asphalt by the end of 2004. For most sections of freeway, that would accelerate the ADOT schedule by two years.
The asphalt, mixed with recycled tires, will make your drive smoother and your neighborhoods quieter. Results have shown noise reduction between 4-8 decibels. I am a strong supporter of rubberized asphalt. Overall, it is less expensive than sound barriers and will help keep District 2 neighborhoods quieter.
Another exciting event in District 2 is the extension of SR-51 north of Bell Road to the Loop 101. The opening of this link will continue to change and shape the city. I am thrilled that we now can have better access to our friends, family and businesses in this area.
We're taking a summer break from the Issues and Info breakfasts, and we look forward to seeing you again in September. This doesn't mean things slow down, however. I received nominations at my last breakfast for outstanding members of the community who have gone above and beyond their responsibilities as residents. I am pleased to announce the finalists for the District 2 Outstanding Neighborhood Leader Award are:
Congratulations to all the winners!
Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at (602) 262-7445 or via e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.
