By Corina Vanek | Phoenix Business Journal
The 22-mile Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway extension could give Phoenix the opportunity to create an employment scene like Chandler has in the Price Road corridor, economic development experts said at a Valley real estate forum.
Lori Collins, deputy economic development director for the city of Phoenix, said the freeway, which is scheduled to be completed in November, gives the city a chance to create a new employment corridor, which could capitalize on the number of workers living in the West Valley who commute east for work. She was part of a panel speaking at a luncheon event sponsored by Arizona Commercial Real Estate Women.
Collins cited Westmarc data, which showed 67% of people who live west of Interstate 17 commute east. Creating business parks along the new freeway route could shorten the commute for many, she said.