The nature of the SR 89A corridor and the type of work being performed required extensive coordination with area public and private agency partners to determine how best to construct these projects, while minimizing impacts to drivers and canyon residents and businesses.
We discussed the pros and cons of two construction approaches:
Completely closing the north end of Oak Creek Canyon, which would get the improvements completed sooner, but with more driver and local impacts.
OR
Leaving SR 89A open with a single alternating north- and southbound travel lane through the work zones and limited full closures, but with a longer project duration.
After studying possible construction options and obtaining input from our agency stakeholders, ADOT decided to keep SR 89A open during construction with lane restrictions and limited closures for work that cannot safely be done around traffic. In February 2022, the Arizona State Transportation Board awarded the $11.1 million construction contract to Fisher Sand and Gravel Company.