Plans move ahead on Gateway Freeway

Despite an estimated $4.5 billion freeway funding shortfall, transportation officials are moving ahead with plans for the Williams Gateway Freeway in east Mesa.

The 22-mile freeway would stretch from the eastern end of the Loop 202-Santan Freeway near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport through Pinal County to connect either to U.S. 60 or Arizona 79.

Planners are evaluating four different alignments for the freeway, which the Maricopa Association of Governments estimates would cost $325 million to $546 million.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is holding two meetings next week to update the community on its plans. It has mailed notices and placed door hangers on the houses of about 30,000 residents. It also has sent email notices to about 500 people.

The Maricopa County portion of the freeway is funded in phase III of the Regional Transportation Plan, which is 2016-2020, said ADOT spokeswoman Teresa Welborn.

A funding source for the Pinal County portion of the plan, which is east of Meridian Road, hasn't been identified.

ADOT is conducting a federally mandated environmental assessment to define the freeway's alignment. Final design plans and construction of the Maricopa County portion of the freeway would begin after 2015.

The freeway was approved in 2004 as part of Proposition 400, which levied a half-cent sales tax to pay for transportation.

Meetings set

Two meetings are planned to discuss the proposed Williams Gateway Freeway in east Mesa.

• Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m.,in the Student Union of Arizona State University Polytechnic, 7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa.

• Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m., in the multipurpose room of Kathryn Sue Simonton Elementary School, 40300 N. Simonton Blvd., Queen Creek.

Information: www.azdot.gov/ValleyFreeways/SR802 or (520) 388-4257.