Mainline Paving Begins on South Mountain Freeway

The Arizona Department of Transportation has begun paving the main section of the new South Mountain Freeway stretch of Loop 202.

The pavement was laid down in late September in the Ahwatukee Foothills neighborhood of Phoenix, ADOT said in a news release.

Mainline paving is expected to continue until just prior to the opening of the 22-mile freeway, which could occur as early as late 2019, ADOT said. Following the paving, crews will add lighting, signs and landscaping.

Approximately 10 million cubic yards of earth is being hauled and compacted for the project, ADOT said, adding that such an amount is enough to fill the Arizona Cardinals' stadium 13 times.

The public can stay informed about the South Mountain Freeway project by visiting southmountainfreeway.com.