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Updated work schedule for SR 89A guardrail project starts May 4

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No construction will take place on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays

An updated schedule of restrictions for an ongoing guardrail replacement project along the State Route 89A switchbacks at the north end of Oak Creek Canyon will start Monday, May 4. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s project will give drivers a break from restrictions on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Motorists can expect 24/7 lane restrictions on SR 89A Mondays through Thursdays between Pine Flat Campground and the Oak Creek Vista scenic overlook (mileposts 387-390). Temporary traffic signals in the area will allow traffic to travel through the work zone one direction at a time. 

Drivers should allow extra time and expect delays, especially during peak travel hours. A 12-foot vehicle width restriction will remain in effect. 

North- and southbound SR 89A lanes will be open Friday through Sunday. 

Harding Springs (milepost 387), which many Northern Arizona residents and others use as a water fill station, will be closed from May 4-7 as part of this new schedule. 

Drivers who would normally use SR 89A in the switchbacks area should expect long delays Mondays through Thursdays. 

The project is replacing older sections of guardrail, reconstructing sections of curb and gutter and installing concrete barriers in some areas. Work is scheduled for completion by late summer (2026).
 

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State Route 89A Guardrail Replacement

State Route 89A Guardrail Replacement

Contents

Project Cost: $3.7 million

Overview

The Arizona Department of Transportation has initiated a guardrail replacement project along State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon between Pine Flat Campground and Oak Creek Vista. The project, which is approximately 13 miles north of Sedona (mileposts 387-390), is expected to be under construction in spring 2026 and anticipated for completion by late summer 2026.  

Project Elements

The purpose of this project is to replace deteriorating guardrail with new guardrail that meets current standards and to enhance motorist safety.

Project elements include: 

  • Remove existing guardrail
  • Install new guardrail components
  • Install concrete barrier
  • Reconstruct damaged curb and gutter, as needed
  • Seeding and erosion control measures, as needed
  • Tree removal, as needed
  • Erosion control measures

Project Flyer

Project Area Map

Map of State Route 89A near Sedona showing the section between mileposts 387 and 390 where guardrail replacement work will occur.

What to Expect

Work will typically take place from 6 a.m to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and Fridays until noon. 

  • SR 89A will be reduced to one lane only in the project area with alternating north- and southbound travel. 
  • Drivers should expect long delays.
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will guide drivers through the work zone. 
  • There will be a 12-foot width restriction. 
  • Tour buses will use I-17 while work is underway.

When needed, the restrictions will remain in place around the clock, 24/7. When the restrictions are continuous, temporary traffic signals will be in operation during non-working hours for traffic control. 

ADOT advises drivers to plan for delays while the work is underway.  

ADOT will provide advance notice of restrictions and closures to email subscribers (see “Stay Informed” section on how to subscribe).

Restrictions and Closures

Stay informed of traffic restrictions before they occur by subscribing to receive notifications sent directly to your email. It’s fast and easy! All we need is your email address.

For real-time information about project-related restrictions and closures, visit az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

Remember to slow down and use caution around construction workers and equipment. 

Stay Informed:

...

Subscribe to receive traffic alerts and project updates directly to your email.

  • Email/Phone: Community Relations Project Manager Jason Stephens at [email protected] or 480.751.7104.
  • Teléfono: Línea de Información del Proyecto ADOT: 855.712.8530.
  • Mail: Jason Stephens, ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.