I am happy to report more street and transportation improvements in District 2. The new connection of SR-51 to the Loop 101 will make getting to and from northeast Phoenix much more convenient for all city residents. I hope you have had the opportunity to drive on this new stretch of freeway with the rubberized asphalt that I informed you about last month.

On July 12, our new park-and-ride opened at Bell Road and SR-51. The 5.6-acre facility is part of our public transit expansion for the new RAPID service. The facility was completed in time for the start of RAPID and also will accommodate car and vanpoolers and electric car drivers. The Phoenix Transit Department is overseeing the $2.3 million construction project, which is part of the Phoenix Transit Plan approved by Phoenix voters in March 2000.

The Bell Rd/SR51 Park-and-Ride features:

This new facility has just opened and we are one of the first areas in the Valley to get RAPID. We have many commuters from here who go downtown and have been looking forward to the start of our new service. Some of the things to expect from RAPID are:

Electronic signage at RAPID bus stops provides instant schedule information (to be installed later in the year). Another phase of RAPID service launches in fall 2003. For Valley Metro Transit Information, call 602-253-5000 or visit www.ValleyMetro.org.

There's more good news for people getting around north Phoenix. Beginning in May, the city's Street Transportation Department started widening Tatum Boulevard by extending the large diameter waterline up the east side from about 1,000 feet north of Pinnacle Peak Road up to Dynamite Boulevard, and constructing a large waterline along the south side of Pinnacle Peak Road from Tatum west to 40th Street. This project should be completed before the holiday season arrives.

I also am pleased to announce that Deer Valley Road will be reconstructed between 7th Street and Cave Creek Road in 2004. This project will include pavement widening, installation of a curb, gutter, sidewalk and storm drain, street lighting, and a bridge over Cave Creek Wash. I will keep you updated on the progress. With so much to see and do in District 2, I believe we will have summer visitors from all over the Valley, and I am confident they will appreciate all the recent improvements.

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.