In response to the handful of huge events bringing tourists to Pasadena this weekend, Caltrans has re-opened closed on-ramps and off-ramps of the 210 Freeway slightly earlier than anticipated, the state transportation agency said Friday.
The removal of orange construction cones blocking key entrances and exits on the 210 Freeway for the last four to five weeks along a crowded section in northwest Pasadena will perhaps give motorists a sense or normalcy ahead of the expected onslaught on Saturday and Sunday.
On both nights, rock band U2 will draw about 60,000 to the Rose Bowl for each performance. Also on both days, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge adjacent to Pasadena is hosting a two-day open house, with about 18,000 tickets released for each day.
Closed since April 24 for repaving work, Caltrans re-opened the eastbound Berkshire Place on-ramp on Friday and the Arroyo Boulevard/Windsor exits on Thursday, said Karina Vargas, Caltrans spokesperson.
The re-openings were not expected until 5 a.m. Saturday.
“We were able to open these a little earlier,” Vargas said.
Last week, Caltrans opened the westbound Ocean View Boulevard on-ramp and the La Crescenta Avenue off-ramp that had been closed since April 11.
Other events this weekend include:
• The Amgen Tour of California, a professional cycling race, finishes on Green Street at The Paseo and in front of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday . Los Robles Avenue will be closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Litfest Pasadena takes place Saturday and Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Pasadena Playhouse District.
• Museums of the Arroyo Day occurs on Sunday , when six museums in Pasadena and Los Angeles offer free admission from Noon to 5 p.m.
Staff writer Steve Scauzillo contributed to this story.
