In honor of "Fossil Fools Day", Tucson activists hung banners condemning two proposed highways from each side of the city’s iconic “Snake Bridge”

On April 1st, as part of "Fossil Fools Day," Tucson activists hung a banner condemning the proposed Downtown Links and I-10 Bypass highways from each side of the Snake Bridge at the intersection of Broadway Blvd and Aviation Hwy in the early hours of April 2. The banners were clearly visible for the duration of the morning commute, and were removed by city officials at 9:30 a.m.

Reading "No New Roads: Put the Brakes on Global Warming!", the banners were situated just above the proposed starting point of Downtown Links in full view of commuter traffic. The action was meant to highlight the role of new roads in promoting runaway carbon dioxide emissions as part of an international day of protest focused on "climate criminals."

The proposed Downtown Links highway would connect I-10 to Aviation Highway, punching through the downtown Warehouse Arts District. Area residents have condemned the planned road, saying it would destroy community spaces and historic buildings without providing any local benefit.

The proposed I-10 Bypass would stretch 250 miles from the Willcox area to Buckeye, allowing freight trucks to avoid Phoenix and Tucson traffic. The road has met widespread local opposition on the grounds that it would destroy sensitive wildlife habitat, degrade the character of rural communities and pave the way for sprawl in relatively undisturbed areas. read more>>>