New Loop 101 HOV-lane ramps now open at Maryland Ave. in Glendale

PHOENIX - New freeway ramps to improve the flow of traffic near University of Phoenix Stadium and Jobing.com Arena in Glendale are now open. The Arizona Department of Transportation says the new Loop 101 HOV-lane ramps at the Maryland Avenue bridge were completed on schedule as part of an accelerated construction project that started in October.

The City of Glendale teamed up with ADOT and the Maricopa Association of Governments on the project to add the new ramps, designed to improve access in and out of the Westgate Entertainment District and the area's sports facilities. All four ramps connect to the center of the Maryland Avenue bridge via the Loop 101 HOV lanes.

Crews working on the $11.7 million project met the goal of completing the new on- and off-ramps at Maryland Avenue before the upcoming Arizona Cardinals season. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon, the last barricades were removed last night. The new ramps are open for drivers to use for the first time this weekend.