Construction on Mill Avenue for the Tempe Streetcar project kicked off Monday, and the project may cause some traffic nightmares for anyone driving through the area in the next few months.
The northbound lanes of Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe will be closed from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway until Aug. 15.
The Tempe Streetcar is, as Valley Metro describes it, the "first modern streetcar line in the Valley."
According to Valley Metro, the stops along the streetcar are similar to bus stops but will be more frequent than the light rail stations. Streetcar vehicles are also smaller than light rail trains and will not be linked together.
Tempe city spokesperson Amanda Nelson said the project will be three miles long with 14 stops to help passengers get around the area.
Nelson said it’s a great addition to the city and will be beneficial during football season with so many fans downtown.
Officials said construction is starting in May because Arizona State University would be out of session for the summer.