Loop 101, 202 unlikely to be interstates

A reader asked last week why the East Valley freeways don’t carry the designation of interstates. He’s from upstate New York and I-390 and I-490 — highways carrying the familiar red-white-and-blue shield although they never leave Rochester.

I have to admit, the question threw me for a loop. Hadn’t thought of that, I told him, and I haven’t heard of the possibility.

Click to view a map of road work in the Valley

So, why aren’t Loops 101 and 202 considered interstates? Will they be one day?

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the answer to the second question is a flat no.

“Loops 101 and 202 were built as local freeways to serve regional needs and there aren’t any plans to change that,” ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said in an e-mail.

The Federal Highway Administration said states reap a small financial benefit when their freeways are designated as interstates.

But spokesman Doug Hecox added that the money comes with strings, such as tougher environmental standards — and that can add some time.

Considering Arizona was in a hurry to finish the Valley’s freeway system, more than 20 years after voters approved it, perhaps the state was willing to forgo some money for a faster pace.

OPEN HOUSES ADDRESS SALE RIVER CROSSING

County transportation officials are seeking the public’s input about the best way to cross the Salt River in Mesa.

At three open houses, people will have the opportunity to give their opinion on proposed improvements to Dobson Road, McKellips Road and Gilbert Road crossings.

Improvements could include wider roads, bridges and better drainage.

Half of the Gilbert crossing, the northbound road in the riverbed, has been closed since winter rain forced water to be released down the Salt River.

Traffic in both directions is now carried by a two-lane bridge.

The first two meetings will be held 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday

at the Lehi Community Building, 1231 E. Oak St., Mesa.

On Sept. 15, the third meeting takes place at the same time, but at the Salt River Community Building, 1880 N. Longmore Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

GET TRAFFIC INFO ON E-MAIL, CELL PHONE

You can now get the latest traffic information sent to your e-mail or cell phone.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has set up a free subscription service that allows people to get updated information about restrictions, news and transportation issues.

The alerts began going out Tuesday. The program was something that the department was planning for months.

“We wanted to make it more convenient for the public,” ADOT spokeswoman Laura Douglas said.

“We don’t want people having to go looking for information about their commutes when we can give it to them directly,” she said.

So far, about five alerts have been issued this week, including several closures for this weekend.

But subscribers can choose what types of information they wish to receive.

To sign up, visit www.azdot.gov and click on “Email Updates.”

CLOSURES & RESTRICTIONS

• Queen Creek Road remains closed between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road while crews install underground utilities and complete construction to make Queen Creek Road six

lanes.

• Traffic will be restricted on Ocotillo Road from Ellsworth Loop to Hawes roads as crews widen the street. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-November.

• Drivers on Ellsworth Road near Cloud Road should expect delays and restriction throughout the month for road work.

• The installation of a new sewer line along Cloud Road from Rittenhouse to Ellsworth roads will delay traffic for the next few weeks.

• Lane restrictions remain on Germann Road from Power to Pecos roads as crews complete work.