The Arizona Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 27 that a guardrail replacement project will begin April 1 along the State Route 89A switchbacks at the north end of Oak Creek Canyon.
The work is expected to affect traffic in a three-mile stretch between Pine Flat Campground and the Oak Creek Vista scenic overlook, with lane restrictions and guided traffic during construction hours. The department said that crews will be present from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 6 a.m. to noon on Friday, with flaggers and pilot cars directing vehicles through the area. There will also be a vehicle width restriction of twelve feet.
Temporary traffic signals may be used for around-the-clock restrictions, allowing one-way travel through the work zone as needed. The Arizona Department of Transportation recommends drivers consider alternate routes via Interstate 17 and State Route 179 when traveling between Flagstaff and Sedona during these periods. The project includes replacing older sections of guardrail, reconstructing curb and gutter areas, and installing concrete barriers in some locations. Completion is scheduled for late summer.
According to the official website, Arizona Department of Transportation manages various facilities across the state including rest areas, snowplow operations with specialized equipment, highway cameras for monitoring, as well as providing traveler updates via systems like AZ511.gov. Jennifer Toth serves as director overseeing planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of transportation systems throughout Arizona according to the department’s official website according to the official website.
The department works alongside regional partners on projects such as corridor studies and information systems according to its official website. Its efforts extend statewide—from highway projects in multiple districts to supporting infrastructure at airports like Grand Canyon National Airport or southern border ports according to its official website.
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov or by calling 511.
