News
I-10 bypass proposal to be scrutinized
Thelma Grimes
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Arizona Department of Transportation is moving forward with the feasibility study on a proposed bypass for Interstate 10 through the San Pedro Valley.
But as the study moves forward, residents, local groups and elected officials are rallying to oppose the suggestion.
The Sierra Club Rincon Group, based in Tucson and with a membership of nearly 4,000 across Southern Arizona, said in a letter that they vigorously oppose construction of any Interstate 10 bypass freeway.
The Tucson group said they oppose the bypass because of global warming. They said the proposed bypass would cut through pristine natural areas, construction would open up more commercial and residential development, car and truck pollution would increase and construction of rail tracks in existing transportation corridors would be more economical than buying rights of way for building a new freeway.
The bypass was originally proposed by Tucson Attorney S.L. Schorr. During a state transportation board meeting in December, Schorr, who represents Pima County, proposed a bypass that would connect to Interstate 10 near Willcox and run north of Tucson, reconnecting to I-10 near Phoenix.
Schorr said he proposed this specific bypass because the state must come up with an answer to the increasing truck traffic on I-10. Besides trucks, traffic counts on the interstate are increasing because of population growth.
Bill Harmon, district engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), said bypass talks are nothing new, but noted after Schorr submitted his proposal, that this one would be studied.
The Interstate 10 Phoenix/Tucson Bypass Study is an ongoing project that will provide ADOT with information regarding the need and feasibility of the proposed transportation corridor.
ADOT, besides looking at costs, the environmental impact and other issues, is also collecting public comment, and to date there are few groups and residents in favor of the project.
The Cascabel Working Group near Benson was formed to fight the proposal and to save the San Pedro River.
"If this bypass happens, the watershed will be irreversibly damaged," said group member Anna Lands. "We formed this group because it's important. Even if we don't think something will fly, if we think it's a bad idea, we need to say so. Some government agencies have a history of not paying attention. We feel that we have to be active."
The Cascabel group will be meeting in a work session with the Benson City Council Sept. 10 when ADOT will also be presenting its findings about the project.
Elected officials have also been brought into the debate.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords said she will continue to follow the process as ADOT conducts its study, but is worried about the environmental concerns raised by Cascabel and Benson residents.
"The San Pedro Riparian Area is a unique remnant of what once stretched across the Southwestern United States," she said in a letter to ADOT. "It must be preserved for future generations. As one of the few remaining perennially flowing rivers in our region, the maintenance of the viability of the San Pedro River is one of my top priorities."
According to the Web site regarding the proposed bypass, ADOT officials are expected to present the preliminary findings from the study some time in October.
In the meantime, Lands said the various groups will continue to follow ADOT's progress and hope that they will continue to listen to the wants and needs of the people and to protect the San Pedro River.
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Arizona Department of Transportation is moving forward with the feasibility study on a proposed bypass for Interstate 10 through the San Pedro Valley.
But as the study moves forward, residents, local groups and elected officials are rallying to oppose the suggestion.
The Sierra Club Rincon Group, based in Tucson and with a membership of nearly 4,000 across Southern Arizona, said in a letter that they vigorously oppose construction of any Interstate 10 bypass freeway.
The Tucson group said they oppose the bypass because of global warming. They said the proposed bypass would cut through pristine natural areas, construction would open up more commercial and residential development, car and truck pollution would increase and construction of rail tracks in existing transportation corridors would be more economical than buying rights of way for building a new freeway.
The bypass was originally proposed by Tucson Attorney S.L. Schorr. During a state transportation board meeting in December, Schorr, who represents Pima County, proposed a bypass that would connect to Interstate 10 near Willcox and run north of Tucson, reconnecting to I-10 near Phoenix.
Schorr said he proposed this specific bypass because the state must come up with an answer to the increasing truck traffic on I-10. Besides trucks, traffic counts on the interstate are increasing because of population growth.
Bill Harmon, district engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), said bypass talks are nothing new, but noted after Schorr submitted his proposal, that this one would be studied.
The Interstate 10 Phoenix/Tucson Bypass Study is an ongoing project that will provide ADOT with information regarding the need and feasibility of the proposed transportation corridor.
ADOT, besides looking at costs, the environmental impact and other issues, is also collecting public comment, and to date there are few groups and residents in favor of the project.
The Cascabel Working Group near Benson was formed to fight the proposal and to save the San Pedro River.
"If this bypass happens, the watershed will be irreversibly damaged," said group member Anna Lands. "We formed this group because it's important. Even if we don't think something will fly, if we think it's a bad idea, we need to say so. Some government agencies have a history of not paying attention. We feel that we have to be active."
The Cascabel group will be meeting in a work session with the Benson City Council Sept. 10 when ADOT will also be presenting its findings about the project.
Elected officials have also been brought into the debate.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords said she will continue to follow the process as ADOT conducts its study, but is worried about the environmental concerns raised by Cascabel and Benson residents.
"The San Pedro Riparian Area is a unique remnant of what once stretched across the Southwestern United States," she said in a letter to ADOT. "It must be preserved for future generations. As one of the few remaining perennially flowing rivers in our region, the maintenance of the viability of the San Pedro River is one of my top priorities."
According to the Web site regarding the proposed bypass, ADOT officials are expected to present the preliminary findings from the study some time in October.
In the meantime, Lands said the various groups will continue to follow ADOT's progress and hope that they will continue to listen to the wants and needs of the people and to protect the San Pedro River.
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