Jams cause jammed roads: U2 to snarl Phoenix traffic on Tuesday

PHOENIX — Fans heading to the U2 concert in Phoenix on Tuesday should allow for extra drive time, because the show will go on with or without you.

The Irish rock band was expected to bring its international “The Joshua Tree” tour, named after the band’s 1987 album, to the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

It’s not the sweetest thing, but traffic was expected to be a bit of a mess.

Gates for the concert were scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m., dead in the middle of the city’s evening rush hour. Drivers in the West Valley, particularly the stretch of the Loop 101 near Bethany Home Road, should expect some slow downs.

Other freeways, particularly Interstate 10 westbound, will also likely see some heavy traffic as fans make their way to Glendale — where the streets do in fact have names.

The Arizona Department of Transportation celebrated the concert with not one, but two special freeway sign messages.

Expect some U2 traffic in West Vallley this evening for concert at University of Phoenix Stadium. https://t.co/y34gwcuPQ7 pic.twitter.com/rGhkdyeR3L

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) September 19, 2017

Expect some U2 concert traffic in West Valley this evening for show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.https://t.co/y34gwcuPQ7 pic.twitter.com/1tcwkEL78V

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) September 19, 2017

U2 will play its entire “Joshua Tree” album at the show.

Tour director Craig Evans said fans will see an incredible visual performance of what he calls one of the greatest albums of all time, on a high-resolution video screen that is 8,000 square feet.

“This is a very, very special opportunity for the band to relive the messages and words of 30 years ago that, today, are as relevant as ever,” Evans said, adding that the show will be a very emotional experience for fans as well.

KTAR News’ Sharon Mittelman contributed to this report.

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