🚗 When was AZ’s first freeway completed?

July 31, 2026

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Good morning!

One of the biggest adjustments for me moving to the Valley from Maryland was getting used to the freeways.

Where I grew up, I only really drove on our two double-lane highways. When I saw the expanse of lanes here, like the I-10, I had to work through some nerves to get used to merging.

With how developed the roads are, I never really stopped to think about when this tangle of freeways started taking shape.

Take a guess at the year Arizona’s first freeway was completed before scrolling down to check the story for the answer:

1912

1926

1957

1963

Have a great weekend!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, The Copper Courier

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We’ve had a lot of readers ask how they can get involved in their communities, so we’re introducing Arizona, Activated to let you know about upcoming opportunities.

Here’s one event to consider this week:

Service Saturdays

When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 8:30-10:30 a.m. (every first and third Saturday)

Where: Community Christian Church, 1701 S. College Ave., Tempe

Description: “Our Service Saturdays happen every first and third Saturday of each month, where volunteers serve people experiencing homelessness as personal shoppers to distribute clothing, shoes, and toiletries. If you are a volunteer group of 10 or more people, please let us know via email in advance as a heads up!”

Learn more and sign up for a shift

Want more? Our friends at Collective Phoenix keep a running list of events related to civics, advocacy, and volunteerism. You can follow them on Instagram for updates.

Share yours: What’s something you’ve done so far this year to better your community? Let me know, and I may share some responses!

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Copper Courier staff. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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