First Ahwatukee Houses Demolished In Loop 202 Freeway Expansion
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The Arizona Department of Transportation demolished the first house in the path of the Loop 202 South Mountain extension project today in the Goldman Ranch neighborhood in Ahwatukee.
Demolition started early. By 7:30 this morning, an earthmover was taking it’s first pass at the house, removing several windows and at least half of a back room.
Once the process started today, a small crowd gathered to watch. It was mostly reporters, but a few people from surrounding neighborhoods stopped by as well. Their reactions were mixed.
"I mean these houses aren’t that old the neighborhood hasn’t been there that long and then all of a sudden. Of course I know they understood that it was going to be happening. But even so, you didn’t think it was really going to happen until next thing you know here they are knocking the houses down," said Breeze.
Steve Breeze lives a mile or so south of the neighborhood. He said the whole situation is a shame for those who had to leave their homes.
But Kerry Alter, who lives about 6 miles away from the site, said he understands that sacrifices have been made for this project to move forward. Overall he thinks it’s a good thing for the community.
"For the whole area, I think it will relieve traffic along Chandler Boulevard and Ray Road," Alter said.
In all, about 400 buildings are in the path of the planned freeway that will connect Interstate 10 in the West Valley to another stretch of the interstate near Chandler. Officials said construction is expected to begin in 2016, with the freeway opening to traffic in late 2019 or early 2020.
