Fiesta Bowl, New Year’s Eve party to snarl Valley freeways
Dec 31, 2014, 8:57 AM | Updated: 2:47 pm
PHOENIX — If you are going where the action is on New Year’s Eve, traffic is inevitable. Just take a breath and stay calm.
Driving always seems to take longer during the holidays, but New Year’s Eve will be a whopper, particularly in the West Valley and downtown Tempe.
Traffic will be packed from both the Fiesta Bowl and rush hour going to Glendale, so exercise caution.
The city is predicting heavy traffic on Loop 101 from Northern Avenue to Camelback Road. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
If you’re traveling that way, also be aware of the following restrictions:
• Maryland Avenue between 93rd Avenue and 95th Avenue will be closed to all traffic except pedestrians and limited shuttle operations.
• Only pedestrians will have access to 95th Avenue in front of University of Phoenix Stadium.
Tempe’s annual New Year’s Eve Block Party has already shut down streets and detoured buses. The party starts at 6 p.m.
The following restrictions are in place until 8 a.m. Thursday:
• Mill Avenue between Rio Salado Parkway and University Drive will be closed in both directions.
• Third Street between Ash Avenue and Mill Avenue will be closed in both directions. Local access will be permitted to residents.
• Fifth Street between Myrtle Avenue and Ash Avenue will be closed in both directions. Only local access will be permitted west of College Avenue.
• Sixth Street west of Forest Avenue will be closed in both directions.
• Seventh Street west of Myrtle Avenue will be closed in both directions.
• The Loop 202 eastbound and westbound off-ramps at Scottsdale Road will be closed from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan. 1.
