PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION

Construction activity for the $600 million expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center is moving ahead as planned in Copper Square. Phase I – construction of the new West Building – is nearly complete. City staff moved into the West Building and the first event in the building is scheduled for mid-July 2006. The piazza, decorative pavement on Monroe between 2^nd and 3^rd streets, has also been installed – creating a connection between the West building and the Herberger Theatre. That’s progress!!

Phase II - demolition and construction of the North Building – began earlier this week. The first major impact of Phase II centers around the demolition of Hall C of the Convention Center – the part of the building that bridges over Washington Street, and bringing in enough dirt to fill the “dip” in Washington between 3^rd and 5^th streets. Raising Washington is also an important step in preparation for the new light rail system. To accomplish this work, Washington Street between 3^rd and 5^th streets will be closed for approximately 4 months beginning May 29. During the closure, traffic will be detoured from Washington, north on 5^th Street, west on Monroe, south on 3^rd Street and back to westbound Washington.

TIMELINE:

Sunday, May 28 at 7pm, 5^th Street will be closed between Washington and Monroe streets; and at 11pm, Monroe between 3^rd and 7^th streets and 3^rd Street between Van Buren and Washington streets will be closed so crews can set barricades and signage for the detour.

Monday, May 29 through mid-October – Washington Street will be closed between 3^rd and 5^th streets and detour will be in place.

DETOUR ROUTE:

Drivers on Washington will be directed north on 5^th Street, west on Monroe Street, south on 3^rd Street to reconnect with westbound Washington.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Businesses are open and pedestrian activity is maintained throughout this activity!

Once you enter the detour, the movement will be free-flow – vehicles will move around the Monroe / 5^th and Monroe / 3^rd intersections without having to stop. This is meant to minimize drive time and inconvenience.

5^th and Monroe Intersection

Three lanes will be maintained on 5^th Street between Washington and Monroe.

The middle and left lane will be used for the detour and will turn onto westbound Monroe without stopping.

Drivers headed northbound on 5^th Street will be able to turn right at Monroe or proceed straight through the intersection. This will be allowed from the right lane (easternmost travel lane) and controlled with a stop sign.

Those traveling westbound on Monroe from 7^th Street will be directed to turn right at 5^th Street and proceed north.

3^rd and Monroe Intersection

Two lanes will be maintained on Monroe between 3^rd and 5^th streets.

The left lane (south travel lane) will be used for the detour and will be directed south on 3^rd St. The right lane (north travel lane) will have the option of heading south on 3^rd Street, or continuing straight through the intersection. Those turning onto southbound 3^rd Street will not have to stop.

Those headed south on 3^rd Street from the north will be directed to take a right on Monroe and proceed westbound. Drivers may head south by turning on 1^st or 2^nd streets, or 1^st Avenue.

3^rd and Washington Intersection

Two lanes will be maintained on 3^rd between Monroe and Washington streets.

The left lane (easternmost travel lane) will have the option of going straight through the intersection and continuing southbound on 3^rd, or following the detour and connecting back to westbound Washington. The right lane (westernmost travel lane) will be directed to turn onto westbound Washington.

Please note: to access Collier Center, Patriot’s Square Park and other destinations to the south, it will be easier if you are in the left lane on 3^rd Street. This will enable you to be in the south lane on Washington and safely enter the garage or turn south on a cross street.

ALTERNATE ROUTES

To avoid this closure altogether, there are several options!

Enter Copper Square from the west. Take 7^th Avenue (access to/from I-10 which connects with I-17, SR51 and Loop 202) to Jefferson or Fillmore streets. Proceed east and use a cross street, such as 1^st or 2^nd streets to access your destination. It may seem like you are going out of your way, but 7^th Avenue is a wide street, underutilized and will likely get you to your destination quicker and with less frustration!

From 7^th Street, take Fillmore or Lincoln and head west. Again, use 1^st or 2^nd streets, or Central or 1^st avenues to access your destination.

If you travel on Washington from the east, try taking 16^th or 24^th streets north to Fillmore or Van Buren. Continue westbound into Copper Square, take 1^st or 2^nd streets south and reconnect with westbound Washington.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION

Web Sites

www.coppersquare.com – log on to see the most up-to-date information on events, businesses, parking, access and construction. You can even sign up to receive e-mail notifications on upcoming construction and event activity with helpful tips on how to get around.

www.phoenixconventioncenter.com - includes detailed information on convention center expansion, news and more!

Ambassadors

The Copper Square Ambassadors are here to assist you! They are on duty seven days a week to provide personalized information on access, parking, and recommendations on where to grab a bite to eat. They will even help you navigate construction and walk with you to your destination! Simply call our hotline at 602-495-1500 to speak with an Ambassador today!

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