Tempe braces for road closures due to ASU graduation festivities

Graduation season is here and so are the road closures. Tempe drivers can expect detours and street shutdowns throughout the week as Arizona State University celebrates its class of 2026.

While ASU’s graduation celebrations start Friday and run through May 16, the undergraduate commencement set for the evening of May 11 is responsible for a long list of closures.

The city of Tempe announced a series of street closures and transit detours to ensure a safe exit for the thousands expected to attend.

The following streets will be closed May 11 from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.:

• Packard Drive in both directions between College Avenue and University Drive
• Sixth Street westbound at Rural Road
• Veterans Way in both directions between Sixth Street and College Avenue
• College Avenue in both directions between Sixth Street and Veterans Way/Fifth Street
• McAllister Drive in both directions between University Drive and Terrace Road
• Northbound Rural Road between Rio Salado Parkway and University Drive
• Westbound Rio Salado Parkway at McClintock Drive
• Southbound Scottsdale Road/Rural Road between Curry Road and Rio Salado Parkway
• East- and westbound Loop 202 Scottsdale Road exit ramps are restricted to northbound only
• Westbound University Drive between Rural Road and McClintock Drive

ASU officials warn additional restrictions could be added as public safety needs dictate.

Packard Drive and Veterans Way will also be closed periodically from May 8 through May 16 to accommodate graduation ceremonies.

Bus routes are also impacted by ASU graduation

Several Valley Metro bus routes, including routes 30, 48, 62, 72, Earth, Mars, Mercury and Venus, will be detoured May 11 from 8:30 p.m. to the end of service. The most up-to-date information is on the Valley Metro website.

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