Paper Endorses Rail Before Highway Widening September 3rd, 1998
In a September 3 editorial, the Mesa Tribune called for the completion of planned highways and starting a commuter rail system in lieu of a controversial widening of the Superstition Highway. The Tribune’s comments were reminiscent of ADOT Director Mary Peters’ comments at the April ARPA Open House: both asked how wide we want to make our roads: “8, 10, 20 lanes?”
Says the Tribune, “…another important but often forgotten option is rail transit, which is our best hope for accommodating the thousands of additional commuters as the East Valley continues to sprout rooftops… Rather than getting locked in a pointless flap over widening the Superstition, East Valley cities should concentrate on getting our other freeway links built and launching a commuter rail project.”
The Tribune listed the cost of US-60 widening:
Mesa $185 million
Tempe $135 million
__________________
$320 million total
In contrast, ARPA’s 1992 “White Paper” lists total capital costs for a system from Wickenburg to Nogales, with Phoenix commuter service at $500 million, only about 50% more than these few miles of highway.
