Alternative H (in red) would follow Maggie Mine and Bumble Bee (aka Crown King) roads, then pass to the
east of Bumble Bee ranch. From there it would continue north through the canyon for about three more
miles, east of the Hidden Treasure/Government Springs area, and cut up the side of the mesa to Bloody
Basin. There it would re-join I-17's current route. The entire length would consist of four lanes in each
direction. (Alternative E, in yellow, would veer significantly west of the current path and re-join I-17 near
the top of the mesa.)
SaveBumbleBee.org is concerned-citizen maintained. It is a top priority to include only accurate information. Questions or concerns please e-mail info@savebumblebee.org All photographs Copyright Alison Atwater
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Click map to open larger view in separate window (Word document)
I-17 Widening Project from New River to Cordes Junction
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This project would widen I-17 to eight lanes between New River and Cordes Junction and, in the process,
relocate the section between Black Canyon City and Cordes Junction. ADOT has narrowed its options to
three proposed "alternative" plans as it decides where and how to widen I-17. They deal with the portion
of the freeway located between Black Canyon City and Cordes Junction. Each "alternative" represents
one proposal. Only one alternative will be chosen. In August 2007, ADOT's Prescott district engineer
identified Alternative "H" as ADOT's "preferred" alternative.
ADOT CLAIMS TO HAVE "HIGH PUBLIC SUPPORT" FOR ALTERNATIVE "H". PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO TELL THEM THEY'RE WRONG.
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Alternative H would devastate this canyon:
 | | Traffic noise would make an enjoyable |
| | recreational experience impossible anywhere in the canyon
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 | | The presence of 8 lanes of freeway would |
| | permanently alter the natural and historical setting of the canyon
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 | | Construction would destroy countless |
| | Native American archaeological sites, as the natural gas pipeline recently installed has already done.
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 | | The large freeway structure would be |
| | visible from most points within the canyon and from the Bradshaw Mountains
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 | | Recreational trails would be severed
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 | | Pollution (runoff, trash, hazardous waste |
| | from accidents) would threaten sensitive habitat and riparian areas
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 | | Wildlife travel patterns could be altered or |
| | their travel routes cut off
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 | | Costs of building miles of new freeway |
| | could be large compared with widening the existing route
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ALTERNATIVE "D" (in green) would closely follow the existing path of I-17 between Black Canyon City and
Sunset Point. It would make use of the median in the existing freeway and several bridge-like structures
to achieve four lanes in each direction.
Because of its location, Alternative "D" would have no negative impact on the Black Canyon. It would
have little to no impact on recreation, wildlife and habitat, the Agua Fria National Monument, or
recreational trails.
ALTERNATIVE "H": ADOT'S PREFERRED ROUTE
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This effort doesn't need your money -- it needs a few minutes of your time. Visit our Take Action! page to find out how easy it is to lend your support.
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** PLEASE HELP GATHER SUPPORT ** "STATEWIDE SUPPORT FOR ALTERNATIVE D" Campaign
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Let them know about ADOT's plans and ask them to submit a
comment opposing Alternative "H" and supporting Alternative "D",
making sure to mention their city of residence. This effort depends
on each individual comment. With your help, we can make sure
ADOT hears us loud and clear.
People all across the state enjoy Bumble Bee valley and the Black Canyon. Let ADOT know this is NOT just a Black Canyon City issue!
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Do you live in the Phoenix area? Prescott? Flagstaff? Tucson? Do you know someone who does?
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YOUR HELP IS CRITICAL -- TAKE ACTION NOW
Everyone agrees I-17 is a problem. This is not the answer.
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