A proposed bypass of Tucson and Phoenix from Interstate 10 was roundly criticized at a public meeting sponsored by the Arizona Department of Transportation on Thursday.

ADOT engineers are looking into the need and feasibility of such a bypass, citing anticipated population and heavy truck traffic growth that might make it desirable in 20 to 30 years.

The idea is in the preliminary study stages, said Dale Buskirk, ADOT project manager for the study. He spoke to about 140 people at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 300 E. River Road.

Only one of about 40 speakers supported the proposal.

Critics said a bypass would be disastrous to the sensitive environments through which it would pass and would spur new growth in relatively undeveloped areas, which in turn would strain water resources.

“This is a roadway to somewhere that doesn’t exist,” said Randy Serraglio of the Center for Biological Diversity.

Some of the six proposed alignments would open up pristine areas in the San Pedro River Valley and Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness to development, Serraglio and numerous other speakers said.

Another potential alignment through Avra Valley west of Tucson would skirt tribal lands and the Ironwood Forest National Monument, others said.

Some said the state transportation agency should look at alternatives to a bypass highway such as establishing passenger rail service between Tucson and Phoenix to relieve traffic congestion on I-10 between the two cities.

Buskirk said no determination had been made by the State Transportation Board to go ahead with in-depth studies, let alone actually construct the bypass.

No funding source exists for the highway, which could cost up to $8 billion in today’s dollars, depending on the alignment.

ADOT is holding seven public hearings this week and next in communities that might be affected by it.

The ADOT team will make a recommendation to the transportation board next month on whether to proceed with more in-depth studies or abandon the proposal, Buskirk said.

The state board is a quasi-autonomous agency that does not answer directly to the Legislature or Gov. Janet Napolitano.

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