Subject: Roundin’ Out the Red Mountain: ADOT to Host Loop 202 Opening Event July 15 Date: Friday, June 06, 2008 5:09 PM Our Friends at ADOT asked us to share this with you and ask your help in spreading the word to others who might be interested. _____ For Immediate Release June 5, 2008 Contact: ADOT Media Relations Phone: 1.800.949.8057 Roundin' Out the Red Mountain: ADOT to Host Loop 202 Opening Event July 15 Phoenix - The state's largest-ever public works project, building nearly 150 miles of new freeways in the Valley, will conclude this summer when the final segment of the Red Mountain Freeway opens, marking a successful 20-year partnership to connect communities. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will host Roundin' Out the Red Mountain, a freeway opening event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 15 to celebrate completion of Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The completion of this final segment between Power Road and University Drive in Mesa represents an important milestone in transportation improvements in the Valley including the completion of the Red Mountain Freeway, the conclusion of Proposition 300 projects and the successful partnership between taxpayers and ADOT spanning more than 20 years. Other Proposition 300 projects include the entire Loop 101 and State Route 51. Voters approved Proposition 300 in 1985, creating a one-half cent sales tax to fund a Regional Freeway System, including the Red Mountain Freeway. The Red Mountain Freeway is the second component of Loop 202 in the East Valley; the Santan Freeway was completed in July 2006. In 2004, Maricopa County voters approved a 20-year extension of the one-half cent sales tax to fund a comprehensive package of diverse transportation improvements as part of the Regional Transportation Plan. Funding for the plan, which includes $9 billion in freeway improvements in Maricopa County, became effective in 2006. Proposition 400 will fuel new projects like Loop 303, the proposed Williams Gateway Freeway and HOV lanes across the Valley. The celebration event will take place on the new, nearly five-mile-long segment of Loop 202 between Power Road and University Drive. ADOT is encouraging community members from across the Valley to attend the event, which will include a brief ceremony with local leaders, a 5k Fun Run/Bike Ride, a variety of exhibits by businesses and organizations, and an ADOT Road Show creatively detailing how freeways are designed and constructed. There are many ways to get involved in this event. All are invited to attend and enjoy the activities. Additionally, local businesses and organizations are encouraged to set up exhibits or donate services for the event. If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor or donor, please visit: http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/valley_freeways/Loop_202/Red_Mountain/inde x.asp . Continue to visit the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway Web site for project and event information: http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/valley_freeways/Loop_202/Red_Mountain/inde x.asp . Finally, ADOT reminds drivers and local residents that the Loop 202 segment from Power Road to University Drive is still an active construction zone and remains closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic until the formal opening in mid-July. # # #