by Dru Bloomfield on January 22, 2010
With all the rain we’ve had this week, and especially last night, Indian Bend Wash is flowing heavily and many of the street crossings are closed.
The major streets that are closed, all located between Scottsdale and Hayden (or Miller) Roads, include:
Roosevelt
Osborn
Oak
Jackrabbit
McKellips
I also heard that McCormick Parkway is closed this morning, east of the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. (UPDATE: McCormick was opened up at 9:50 a.m.)
One of the roads missing from this list is Indian Bend! The new bridge is open, so traffic is flowing freely here connecting Scottsdale Road to the 101.
The City of Scottsdale has posted information about Road Closures, Storm Preparation, and Safety Tips for Traveling During Heavy Rain , as well as a more frequently updated Public Safety page.
You can also find regional and state travel information at az511.com.
by Dru Bloomfield on January 14, 2010
This coming Sunday (1/17/2010) is going to be a big day for the 30,000 runners who descend on the Phoenix landscape for one of the biggest parties in Arizona. My son couldn’t resist volunteering at one of the water stations with a bunch of his high schools friends. I’m thinking that I’ll be somewhere along the route with my camera in tow, being very glad that I prefer to run much shorter races!
If you aren’t running in the race, you will want to know a few things about getting around town.
The City of Scottsdale has provided the following traffic update:
Traffic restrictions on several major streets in Scottsdale will be in effect beginning at 6:30 a.m. and will last until early afternoon. Drivers are strongly encouraged to use the freeway system to maneuver around the marathon route.
Major streets affected include:
- Eastbound closure of Indian School Road from Scottsdale’s western boundary to Goldwater Boulevard
- Southbound closure of Goldwater south to its intersection with Scottsdale Road
- Complete closure of Main Street from Goldwater Boulevard to Marshall Way
- Complete closure of Marshall Way between Main Street and Goldwater Boulevard
- Southbound closure of Scottsdale Road from its intersection with Goldwater Boulevard (near Osborn Road) south to McDowell Road
- Eastbound closure of McDowell from Scottsdale Road east to Hayden Road
- Southbound closure of Hayden Road from McDowell south to the Tempe city line
On Sunday, you will also be able to get updates on current traffic condition via the state’s “511″ phone system. Dial “511″, press the key for this event and hear the update. You can also get information on the current Scottsdale traffic and parking conditions by calling the city’s information phone line: (480) 312-CITY.
For more details on the race course that travel from Phoenix to Scottsdale to Tempe, you can visit arizona.competitor.com, and check out the race course map.
by Dru Bloomfield on October 17, 2008
Dorothy, at the front desk over at LA Fitness, mentioned to me that she was going to start riding her bike to work. In chatting with her, I realized that she didn’t know that she would have bike path access almost the whole way from her home in Tempe to McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale. I printed out a section of the bike map to take in and share with her today, and thought it was worth reminding you where these excellent biking resources are on-line.
Maricopa Regional Bike Map
Scottsdale Bike Map
The Scottsdale bike path that runs along Hayden Road from North to South Scottsdale is wide and fast. It goes under and over main thoroughfares, with only a few intersections to cross. Rolling through golf courses and green belt, it’s a pretty ride, too. Now that our weather is cooling off, it’s a perfect time to get out, and even start thinking about riding your bike to work.
My mind wandered a bit this morning. I have a question for you? Is it possible to:
Show homes and buy real estate on a bike?
I’ve been reading about Realtors who show houses to their biking clients on their preferred mode of transportation. Interesting to consider. What do you think? I’d certainly be game to try!
Here are a few Realtors mixing real estate and biking around the U.S. and Canada:
(Realtors, if I missed you this list, just let me know and I’ll update.)
by Dru Bloomfield on August 15, 2008
From ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation):
The following closures or restrictions are scheduled along Valley freeways this weekend:
-
Southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) closed between Chaparral and McKellips roads from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (August 18) for HOV (carpool) lane construction.
DETOUR: Drivers are strongly encouraged to use State Route 51 and local streets as alternate routes.
-
Northbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) narrowed to one lane between Shea Boulevard and Hayden Road from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (August 18) for HOV (carpool) lane construction.
DETOUR: Consider alternate routes. Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in the work zone
Project benefit: ADOT is constructing 15 miles of carpool lanes from Princess Drive to Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The eight-mile section from Via de Ventura to Loop 202 is scheduled to open this fall. The remainder of the project will open in spring 2009.
For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1.
by Dru Bloomfield on August 7, 2008
From the Arizona Department of Transportation for Aug. 9-11, as part of a project to construct high occupancy vehicle lanes:
The northbound lanes of the Loop 101 Freeway will be completely closed between the Loop 202 Freeway and Chaparral Road from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11.
Adapted: Original photo credit: Seth W.
Suggested detours include:
- Northbound traffic will take the Loop 202 east to Alma School Road and head north to McDowell Road. From McDowell, traffic will be routed westward to Pima Road where it will head north to Chaparral and return to the Loop 101.
- Northbound traffic can also exit at Rio Salado Drive and head west to Hayden Road. From there it will head north to Chaparral and return to the freeway.
In addition, the center and left southbound lanes of the Loop 101 Freeway will be closed between the Pima/Princess interchange and Shea Boulevard from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug 9, through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug 11. The right lane and all ramps will remain open.
More information on the Arizona Department of Transportation and Valley freeway projects is available at: http://www.azdot.gov/index.asp
by Dru Bloomfield on June 24, 2008
I love to ride my bike. It’s an instant way for me to relax. While I’m not a serious sport enthusiast like Steve Belt, and did not live and bike in one of the bike capitals of the world, like Jay Thompson, I do use my bike to get around… to the gym, the library, and even to the grocery store. I’ve once mountain biked Phoenix Mountain Preserve Trail 100 from one end to the other, but that’s another story.
With all the brew-ha-ha surrounding gas prices, bikes are back in vogue. The local news has been running stories about employers adding bike racks and showers for commuters. Today, the news was about using a bike to connect with light rail.
And so I’d like to share a couple resources that I’ve found very helpful.
Maricopa Regional Bike Map
Scottsdale Bike Map
The maps are large, but both Phoenix and Scottsdale have paper versions that you can request. They are very handy to have on hand when planning a new route.
And if you are riding in the summer heat, plan ahead and be sure to stay hydrated. Be alert for oblivious drivers, too. I’ve been know to yell out, just to wake someone up and let them know I’m there. Biking is a great way to get around, burn a few calories, and help you cut down your time at the gas pumps.
