Construction will begin on the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway within a few weeks since the U.S. District Court dismissed legal challenges against the corridor project.

The court ruled that ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration had completed all necessary steps required to keep the project moving forward

ADOT Director John Halikowski feels the decision is a victory for the Phoenix area since it will improve traffic on I-10 through the Broadway curve and local streets, plus bring in economic development.

The Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway planning has required the most extensive environmental review of any highway project to date in Arizona, he said.

Other partners besides the Federal Highway Administration include Phoenix and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). Both entities have helped develop and plan the project over the years.

The South Mountain Freeway, once complete, will be a 22-mile corridor and will be Arizona’s first public-private partnership on a highway project. It is expected to open to traffic near the end of 2019.

For more information about the project, visit www.azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.