SR 89A restricted south of Flagstaff for ongoing rockfall project

FLAGSTAFF – Traffic restrictions remain in place on State Route 89A at the switchbacks in Oak Creek Canyon south of Flagstaff as work continues on a rockfall mitigation project.

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s safety project will require closures and lane restrictions in the area over the next several months. SR 89A is limited to one lane with alternating traffic the majority of the time. ADOT will provide advance notice when full highway closures are needed.

The contractor has placed temporary traffic signals at each end of the work zone, allowing traffic to move through the area one direction at a time. Drivers should expect delays and add extra travel time to their trips north of the Pine Flat Campground or south of the Oak Creek Vista scenic overlook.

When SR 89A closures are in place, drivers in the Flagstaff area should plan on using southbound I-17 to northbound SR 179 to reach Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. Northbound traffic in the Sedona area will need to use southbound SR 179 to northbound I-17 to reach Flagstaff. 

The rockfall mitigation project and restrictions are anticipated to last until fall. Closures will be scheduled as needed as crews work to stabilize a cliff face above SR 89A where a rockslide occurred in March 2023. ADOT will provide advance notice of any additional full closures.

A 10 foot vehicle-width restriction will be in place in the work zone. ADOT and its contractor are coordinating with local and regional safety agencies to maintain emergency vehicle access and to be prepared if events, including wildfires, require a response.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the az511 app or by calling 511.