Arizona State Route 51
State Route 51 (SR 51), also known as the Piestewa Freeway, is a numbered state highway in Phoenix, Arizona. It connects Interstate 10 just outside of Downtown Phoenix with Loop 101 on the north side of Phoenix, making it one of the area's major freeways. It is a largely north–south route and is known for traversing the Piestewa Peak Recreation Area. Rapid growth and increased traffic demand on the east side of Metro Phoenix made the Piestewa Freeway necessary. The freeway was named after Lori Piestewa, the first known Native American woman to die in combat for the U.S. Military. Prior to this time, the freeway was known as the Squaw Peak Parkway, a name considered offensive by many Native Americans.
The freeway was proposed at least as far back as 1955. Events in the planning of the freeway have led to speculation that the freeway was intended to become part of a never-constructed Interstate 510.
Read more about Arizona State Route 51: Route Description, History, Exit List
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