Nearly 200 vacant properties owned by the state will be razed in advance of construction along the route of the Loop 202 freeway. The Arizona Department of Transportation said demolition will begin Aug. 26.
The South Mountain Freeway is the last piece to complete the Loop 202 system and will provide a direct link between the West Valley and the East Valley. Construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2016.
ADOT has been acquiring the necessary right of way for the South Mountain Freeway, including homes, businesses and agricultural and industrial properties during the past 20 years. Now ADOT is ready to begin clearing those properties.
Properties will be fully cleared, including landscaping, foundations and pools. The lots will then be covered with gravel to aid in dust control until construction begins.
The South Mountain Freeway is expected to take about four years to construct and cost about $1.75 billion.
