Loop 202 extension voted down, but project lives on

The Gila River community has voted down a plan to build the South Mountain Freeway on tribal land, but the project isn't dead.

The Maricopa Association of Governments will move ahead with studies to bring the Loop 202 extension off of I-10 at 59th Avenue, cut through the western side of south mountain and tie into Pecos Road. And with that route comes the loss of about 90 homes.

"Some of those have already been acquired through some realty acquisitions and financial harships," said Robert Hazlett with MAG.

Construction on the 202 extension is still on course to begin in 2015 with the 22 mile stretch ready to open in 2020, Hazlett said.