Arizona's 11

From the Long-time-in-the-making Department comes a proposal to create a new interstate highway linking Phoenix and Las Vegas, tentatively called I-11. It would be made up of new and upgraded highways. As the Arizona Republic reports:

Supporters envision smoother Phoenix-area traffic and closer trade and tourism links between Phoenix and Las Vegas. With a major bypass around Phoenix, from I-10 near Casa Grande to U.S. 93 just north of Wickenburg, I-11 would become a prime freight route from Mexico to Las Vegas and beyond, promoters say.

But the project faces daunting hurdles.

The Phoenix-area bypass alone might cost up to $5 billion, and with no money in sight, a toll road is already being discussed. Decades of planning, studies and government approvals would be required. Even early decisions are years away.

My thoughts: why not a toll road? You place the burden of paying for the highway directly on those who use it. And if you're heading to Vegas, what's a dollar or two given all the money you'll likely be dropping at the blackjack table and poker slots?

As somebody who's made the drive several times up U.S. 93 through Wickenburg and Wikieup, on narrow and often-dangerous two-lane road, it's not a hard sell. But environmental concerns and desert preservation are sure to be the next major issues besides cost, so I'm betting against this road getting built in my lifetime.