ADOT begins long-term repairs to section of US 89 washed out in 2018

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is starting a project this week to make permanent repairs to a section of US 89 near Cameron that was washed out when the state was hit with severe rain from remnants of Hurricane Rosa in October 2018.

ADOT was able to complete emergency repairs of that 30-foot section of US 89 in less than 48 hours after the road washed out to ensure motorists had a safe driving route to a large area of northern Arizona.

In addition to serving local traffic, this stretch of highway is a significant travel corridor for people heading to tourist destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley and other locations. 

During this project ADOT will utilize smart work zone technology to help maintain traffic flow and reduce the potential for crashes. Portable message boards will be placed ahead of the work zone providing drivers with real time traffic speed  information from sensors as they approach. Emergency vehicles will be given a high priority to get through.

Throughout most of the project, traffic will be maintained in both directions; however, there will be times where the highway will be restricted to one lane only. A temporary traffic signal will be in place to direct traffic through the work zone when necessary. 

Located about 4 miles north of Cameron, the work consists of reconstructing that segment of US 89, improving the drainage system in the area and removing an old abandoned bridge.

In order to reopen the highway in less than 48 hours after the flood damage in 2018, more than 40 ADOT personnel responding from as far away as Page, Payson and Williams had to thoroughly assess the site, excavate the damaged areas, haul in and compact 500 cubic yards of material to restore the roadway’s base, and put down 120 tons of asphalt pavement.

The $1.7 million project is expected to be completed by the fall.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northcentral District.