Tribal Community Sues Over Phoenix-Area Freeway Plans

The 'South Mountain Freeway' would build a 22-mile freeway extension between Laveen and Chandler. The route's proximity to sacred tribal land has prompted a lawsuit, even after years of planning.

2 minute read

July 4, 2015, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The proposed South Mountain Freeway would link Laveen in southwest Phoenix with Chandler by extending Loop 202 for 22 miles. The route would border tribal lands, and despite years of planning and community engagement, still provoked a lawsuit by the Gila River Indian Community. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court on Tuesday [June 30, 2015], contends that state and federal officials failed to 'consider adequately the significant harm the freeway would inflict on the environment and on historical and cultural resources,''" reports Chris Coppola.

South Mountain, which the freeway would cross, is one of the most important and sacred natural resources for the tribal community that lives in the area.

"I get it," writes columnist Joanna Allhands in an op-ed following the news of the lawsuit. "South Mountain Freeway at this point is a joke, a farce, a dream. The weathered sign on Pecos Road denoting the future freeway seems like a monument to bad planning and inaction."

Despite her doubts about the plans for the new freeway, Allhands is still skeptical about the lawsuit's claims that officials did not adequately plan the route during the process of creating a Final Environmental Impact Statement.  

Allhands also expresses a willingness to give up on the plans, writing, "maybe, at this point, we should just drop the whole idea and let traffic continue to build on Interstate 10. Or maybe transportation officials should start talking more about building that insane super-freeway extension on I-10 around the Broadway Curve that would create separate lanes for local and regional traffic."

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 in The Arizona Republic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Bike Parking Utrecht Centraal Station

Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes

Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.

June 11 - Cities Today

A blue and white Sound Transit heavy rail commuter trail with downtown Seattle skyline in background.

Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants

A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

June 11 - The Seattle Times

San Jose, California city hall with glass dome in front of modern multistory building.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter

A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.

June 11 - Associated Press