Monday, March 24, 2008

San Pedro River valley spared as site of proposed I-10 bypass

[Source: Arthur H. Rotstein, Associated Press] -- Arizona transportation officials will continue planning for a possible Interstate 10 bypass around Tucson and Phoenix but have dropped proposed routes through the environmentally sensitive San Pedro River valley. The state Transportation Board unanimously approved a motion dropping the two potential San Pedro River valley routes east of Tucson during a meeting here today. They were among four being studied to allow cross-country trucks and other long-distance traffic to skirt Tucson. Supporters say bypasses around Phoenix and Tucson are needed to handle the state’s long-term needs and avoid traffic bottlenecks in metro areas. Opponents say a bypass is unnecessary, too costly and that some of the routes would damage sensitive areas.