Rising construction costs and shrinking sales tax revenue from Proposition 400 have created more uncertainty surrounding the South Mountain Freeway.

Although recent reports suggest the possibility of downsizing the freeway to a six-lane parkway, Timothy Tait, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Transportation, emphasizes that no decision has been made.

When contacted for comments, Tait would only provide a copy of a message recently sent to the South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team.

“We understand that you have many questions related to the future of the proposed South Mountain Corridor,” read the memo. “Although the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Maricopa Association of Governments have discussed this project in conjunction with the entire Regional Transportation Plan, the conversations have been broad, brainstorming sessions designed to pool together the best ideas of the experts from inside and outside the region.”

According to the document, more formal discussions are expected this summer and a final decision isn’t likely until this fall.

Funding for the freeway began in 1985 when Maricopa County voters approved a half-cent sales tax to finance a freeway system that included a 22-mile stretch from Interstate 10 in Chandler to Interstate 10 west of downtown Phoenix. This initial round of funding was set to expire at the end of 2005, but voters approved a 20-year extension in November 2004 with the passing of Proposition 400.

In June 2007, ADOT announced the “preliminary preferred build alternative” for the South Mountain Freeway.

After considering connections with Interstate 10 at 55th Avenue, 71st Avenue and the Loop 101, 55th Avenue was identified as the best route for the freeway that would essentially divide Laveen down the middle. The decision was made following an environmental study that began in summer 2001.

District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski says doubts about the South Mountain Freeway have been disastrous for Laveen.

“It has held up the full development of Laveen,” he said. “We have no malls, no theatres, no bowling alleys and no hospitals because of a small minority on the Ahwatukee side.”

Nowakowski adds that his frustrations are shared by many people in the Laveen community.

“They feel we have been held hostage by a small, vocal minority that knew they were buying in the path of a highway,” the councilman said. “Laveen should not be penalized because of the mistakes of a few residents in Ahwatukee.”

If the freeway plans are scaled back, Nowakowski still sees big benefits for Laveen. He points to State Route 51 as an example of a road that was originally built as parkway but expanded to a freeway after it exceeded capacity.

A parkway wouldn’t likely have an effect on a hospital getting built in Laveen either. While discussions with hospital developers continue, Nowakowski emphasizes construction of a facility hinges on a freeway resolution.

“If MAG and ADOT come back with a no-build option, the chances of a hospital in the Laveen area disappear,” he warned.