As a result, ADOT reduced the amount of landscaping and soundwalls that would be constructed, focusing mainly on construction of freeways instead. Once the recession eased and Arizona's economy found itself fully recovered, little mention of the missing soundwalls was made in ADOT's master plans for the freeway. Rather than soundwalls being constructed along the entire length of the freeway, cases were examined on an individual basis to determine whether a soundwall was necessary. Neighborhoods were forced to go through a tedious and drawn-out procedure to replace the dirt and chain link structures bordering their property with more pleasing concrete walls. This process was not only time-consuming for most neighborhoods but also extremely discouraging.
Efforts are now underway to change all that.
Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten is spearheading a cooperative effort among District 3's residents to convince members of the Arizona State Legislature and ADOT to provide soundwalls along the entire path of SR-51. Together with Senator Sue Grace and Representatives Tom Horne and Barbara Leff, Peggy is lobbying the Legislature and the Governor's Office to hold ADOT accountable for its promises to residents long ago. Your assistance in this matter would be much appreciated. Please congratulate and encourage them on their work with this issue. By working together, along with our state government, we can ensure that our neighbors along the Squaw Peak have the peace and quiet that they deserve.