Regional Transportation Project Approved In Glendale

GLENDALE, AZ---The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) recently unanimously approved $15.5 million of funding for the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramps at Loop 101 and Maryland Avenue in Glendale. The project was brought forward by Glendale to MAG.  While regional funding from MAG has been approved for the project, the proposal goes next to the State Transportation Board to approve the use of the state funds.

This project will connect Maryland Avenue to the newly-completed HOV lanes along Loop 101, alleviating congestion in the area and providing for more efficient traffic circulation to and from events in Glendale’s Sports and Entertainment District. In addition to providing another point of vehicular access to regional travelers on Loop 101, these HOV lanes and ramps will also benefit bus routes utilizing Loop 101 and the Park & Ride facility at Glendale and 99th avenues.

MAG has approved $8 million dollars of funding from MAG’s portion of the Statewide Transportation Acceleration Needs Account (STAN) and $7.5 million of the regional funding from Prop 400, in which a one-half cent sales tax is designated for transportation projects.

“This project will significantly improve access to Westgate, Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium for the millions of visitors who come to these destinationseach year both in vehicles and by transit.  Approval of this project demonstrates our region’s commitment to building a sound regional transportation system,” Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs stated.

The project is scheduled to be completed by February 2015, in time for the Super Bowl, when tens of thousands of fans will attend the game at University of Phoenix Stadium and many more will visit the NFL Experience.

For more information, contact the Glendale Transportation Department at 623-930-2940 or visit www.glendaleaz.com/transportation.