The Arizona Department of Transportation began to tear down homes in the Ahwatukee area in order for the construction of the connection of the Loop 202 freeway, called the South Mountain Freeway, on August 29, 2015.

The South Mountain Freeway will complete the Valley’s Loop 202 network. It will extend 22 miles from Interstate 10 near Ahwatukee and Chandler, cut through South Mountain Park and rejoin I-10 near 59th Avenue in the West Valley. The construction is set to begin in the summer of 2016 and will end sometime in 2020.

The planning for this connection has been in the making for almost two decades. A couple months ago, ADOT began purchasing the homes, businesses, and even a church that currently stand in the way of the project. The intended purpose of the extension is to prevent gridlock and extreme traffic problems in the Valley’s highway system.

According to the project overview on ADOT’s website, “The project has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding through Proposition 300 approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. The freeway is also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.”

The South Mountain Freeway has had much opposition. Many Ahwatukee residences fear the environmental harm that this construction will cause.

It will also cut through a corner of South Mountain and bring thousands of cars screaming by the tranquil neighborhoods of Ahwatukee, disturbing peace.

The Gila River Indian Community is upset as well, as they consider South Mountain holy land. Originally, the connection was to cut through the Indian reservation instead of directly along Pecos Road, but the Gila River representatives turned the decision down.

Another group, Stardust Building Supplies (a non-profit charity that sells salvaged building supplies at thrift stores), is upset that the construction is wasting several parts from houses that are being torn down. Even with this extreme displeasure with the construction, ADOT is confident that any attempts to sue, which there are, will fail.

“The South Mountain Freeway is not a solution for the Valley’s transportation needs. It’s a vital part of an overall system,” said ADOT spokesman Tim Tait to azcentral.com.