Bogus SR 347 Toll Road Proposal Sparks Social Media Frenzy

A seemingly playful hoax has sparked considerable discussion among Maricopa residents as social media posts circulate about a proposed alternative highway to State Route 347. The proposal originates from local resident Alex Solomon, who shared a link to the fictitious toll road, dubbed Indian Route 347, aimed at easing congestion for Maricopa drivers.

Set to charge an annual toll of $999, the project raises eyebrows, primarily due to its outlandish nature. The scheme is conspicuously devoid of backing from credible agencies or organizations, suggesting its authenticity is dubious at best. Created using GoDaddy’s AI platform, the website features exclusively AI-generated images, furthering skepticism about the proposal.

According to the mock website, Indian Route 347 is promoted as a “premier toll road” designed and operated by the Gila River Indian Community, claiming to provide a speedier connection between Maricopa and Phoenix. The venture claims that fees would contribute to community infrastructure and cultural preservation, but its legitimacy remains highly questioned.

The tongue-in-cheek project boasts features such as high-performance asphalt, smart technologies, and energy attenuation devices, allegedly ensuring safety on the new roadway. The proposal humorously suggests that the road will be constructed with insights from German engineers who have previously worked on the Autobahn.

Additional claims include a partnership with Transurban for building and maintaining the route, as well as emergency vehicles receiving unhindered access. However, the most astonishing claims are the projected creation of hundreds of jobs and an impressive annual revenue of $12.5 million.

Unsurprisingly, skepticism abounds online. Local leaders, including Bill Robertson, a city planning commissioner, voiced their disbelief. “No official discussions have taken place regarding this proposal, and it doesn’t seem plausible based on the details provided,” he stated, underscoring the general confusion surrounding the announcement.

As the conversation unfolds, it’s clear that this jest has ignited significant interest, but the fundamental questions regarding its authenticity remain unanswered.