Overpass Open

New Loop 101 interchange and overpass open in Glendale

The completion of two major roadway construction projects along the Loop 101 in Glendale was celebrated Thursday, Aug. 3, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Drivers headed to sports and entertainment events in Glendale now have one more route to get them to their destination as the first phase of the Bethany Home Road interchange, allowing Loop 101 access to and from the south, opened for traffic Aug. 3. Additionally, the Maryland Avenue overpass officially opened allowing drivers one more way to cross the Loop 101.

The second phase of Bethany Home Road ramps, which will provide access to and from the north, are scheduled to open by fall 2007. According to the Regional Transportation Plan, the southern half of the interchange was originally scheduled to be completed in 2008, but the city of Glendale worked with the Maricopa Association of Governments to accelerate funding for project completion in 2006.

Both the Bethany Home Road ramps and Maryland Avenue overpass are near the Glendale sports and entertainment district, which includes the Jobing.com Arena and the new University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

“The completion of these projects will provide additional access to Glendale’s sports and entertainment district,” says Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley. “These new roads will also serve local commuters who will be traveling to and from the stadium and arena area, which will help alleviate some of the freeway traffic.”

ADOT oversaw the design and construction for both facilities, which were completed on time and within budget.