Traffic nightmare expected in Pasadena this weekend for major events, concerts

All roads will seemingly lead to Pasadena this weekend, with a series of major events expected to draw thousands of people to the city, crowding streets and making it particularly difficult to get around.

City officials warned residents and visitors alike to plan ahead, arrive early and be prepared to deal with crowds.

Several big events are scheduled, including two sold-out U2 concerts at the Rose Bowl, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) open house and the last leg of cycling's Amgen Tour of California, which are expected to draw thousands of people on Saturday and Sunday.

To accommodate the Amgen race, the Arroyo Boulevard off-ramps from the Foothill (210) Freeway will be closed for about 30 minutes beginning around 1:20 p.m.

During the concerts May 20-21, parking lots open at 2:30 p.m., stadium doors open at 5 p.m. and opening act The Lumineers take the stage at 6:30 p.m. You can find parking, directions bag policy information and more here.

For the annual JPL open house, which is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20-21, all tickets are sold out. You can find maps and other FAQ questions here.

The seven-stage 583-mile race, which began Sunday in Sacramento, ends Saturday in Pasadena. You can find road maps and street closures during the race here.

Caltrans also has an online map which allows drivers to see freeway conditions that may not be available on all apps or GPS navigation systems, according to the city of Pasadena.

The city will also play host to smaller events, including the LitFest literary festival, and free-admission day Sunday at Museums of the Arroyo.

City officials urged visitors to take advantage of public transit as much as possible. They also noted that temperatures are expected to be hot all weekend, so people were encouraged to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

With the city playing host to so many major events at once, Pasadena residents say they are getting out of town.

"Yes, I will be at Disneyland on Saturday so I am not around," said Brittney Meitzenheimer.

Her friend Autumn Mora also plans to get away.

"We are going to the Strawberry Festival in Oxnard," said Mora. "We are getting away because Pasadena is going to be lit."

Pasadena City officials say the city is used to hosting big events like the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses, Rose Parade.

"All motorists are advised to use extra care, follow the directions of on-scene public safety officials and electronic message signs and take heed of all temporary and permanent no-parking zones because illegally parked vehicles
are subject to ticketing and towing,'' Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez said.

"We own New Year's Day with several events, so we are ready," said William Boyer the Public Information Officer for the City.

Read the full statement about the busy weekend in Pasadena here.

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