Tempe motorists, brace yourselves for detours. Starting next week, the Victory Drive crossing over Loop 101 is shutting down for maintenance, which means reroutes for about five weeks. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the closure kicks in on Monday, March 11.
The regular users of the Victory Drive bridge are being directed to use alternative paths, namely University Drive and Apache Boulevard, to cross over Loop 101. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, while bridge approaches are being improved, the traffic also will use the one-lane-narrowed frontage roads. Drivers, when traveling through work zones, should watch for crews and equipment by slowing down and staying alert.
Aside from road closures, Valley Metro bus route alterations are on the horizon. Still, the bus stops won't be taking a hit. Even though the buses along Victory Drive/Orange Street will operate on detours, riders should only expect "minor schedule changes," a necessity while the city attends to its infrastructure.
Those looking for up-to-the-minute highway conditions can pinpoint them on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or through the AZ511 app, which is available free of charge for Apple and Android users. The department also shares updates on highway conditions through its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT, helping drivers navigate the inconvenience posed by essential bridge maintenance.
