SR 179

Plan for full closures of SR 89A north of uptown Sedona Dec. 3-9

Plan for full closures of SR 89A north of uptown Sedona Dec. 3-9

Plan for full closures of SR 89A north of uptown Sedona Dec. 3-9

November 21, 2023

Access to and from Oak Creek Canyon restricted for rockfall mitigation

FLAGSTAFF – Work to safely remove rocks from an area above State Route 89A north of uptown Sedona will require full daytime highway closures and nighttime restrictions the week of Dec. 3-9, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Drivers should plan on using detour routes along Interstate 17 for travel between Sedona and Flagstaff while the following closures limit travel in Oak Creek Canyon:

Daytime Closures: SR 89A closed to all traffic between the Owenby Way roundabout (north of uptown Sedona) and the Midgley Bridge picnic area from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday to Saturday (Dec. 3-9) for rockfall mitigation. Detour: Traffic will detour on State Route 179 and I-17 while SR 89A is closed.
Overnight Restrictions: SR 89A will temporarily be opened every half hour between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday through Saturday (Dec. 3-9) to clear any traffic waiting at the Owenby Way roundabout (northbound) and Midgley Bridge (southbound) closure points. The temporary openings of SR 89A will then occur once per hour between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night until the rockfall mitigation work is completed. Detour: Drivers can consider detouring on SR 179 and I-17 during overnight hours.

State highway conditions are available via ADOT’s 511 Travel Information site, the AZ511 app or by calling 511. Highway information and answers are also available via ADOT’s X (formerly Twitter) feed (@ArizonaDOT) and the agency’s Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT).

Overnight SR 179 restrictions in Sedona start Sunday night (July 9)

Overnight SR 179 restrictions in Sedona start Sunday night (July 9)

Overnight SR 179 restrictions in Sedona start Sunday night (July 9)

July 7, 2023

Fresh lane striping work will require pilot vehicle operation, stopped traffic

SEDONA – Overnight lane restrictions are scheduled along State Route 179 in the Sedona area starting Sunday night, July 9, while crews apply lane stripes and other pavement markings to finish a pavement improvement project.

SR 179 will be narrowed to one lane with traffic alternating one direction at a time in areas between the “Y” intersection at SR 89A and Chapel Road, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Restrictions along SR 179 are planned from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, June 9-13. Flag crews and pilot vehicle drivers will direct traffic through the overnight work zones.

Access in or out of some residential areas along the 3-mile stretch of SR 179 will be limited at night while the lane striping work is taking place. Drivers should expect delays. The highway has undergone pavement improvements over the past several weeks.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT.

State Route 179 to be restricted through Oak Creek for chip seal work

State Route 179 to be restricted through Oak Creek for chip seal work

State Route 179 to be restricted through Oak Creek for chip seal work

May 6, 2019

PHOENIX – Those traveling between Interstate 17 and Sedona along State Route 179 will need to plan extra travel time as the highway will be narrowed to one lane between the Red Rock Ranger Station and Chapel Road so Arizona Department of Transportation crews can apply chip seal.

Beginning Monday, May 13, crews will restrict SR 179 to one lane in 3-mile segments through the Village of Oak Creek. Drivers moving through the area should expect long delays as each direction of traffic will alternate through the work zone.

Flaggers and pilot cars will provide traffic control through the work zone. Flaggers will also be on site to maintain access to businesses, communities and local streets throughout the project area.

Drivers can also consider using SR 89A and SR 260 through Cottonwood as an alternate route between I-17 and Sedona.

The project is expected to last for five consecutive days and be completed by the end of the week.

For more information on this project, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on North Central District.

Throwback Thursday: SR 179 Red Rock Scenic Byway

Throwback Thursday: SR 179 Red Rock Scenic Byway

Throwback Thursday: SR 179 Red Rock Scenic Byway

March 29, 2018

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

Although one could never tell from this old black-and-white photo, State Route 179 came to be known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway for its majestic red buttes composed of iron-rich sediment that formed over millions of years.

Motorists, like the lucky owner of that Datsun 240z, can drive this meandering stretch of highway while taking in some of the most breath-taking views in our state.

The highway stretches about 15 miles between Interstate 17 north of Camp Verde to Sedona.

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Arizona's Scenic Roads

Arizona's Scenic Roads

Arizona's Scenic Roads

April 25, 2011

Bell Rock in Sedona is one of the points of interest located along State Route 179, which has been designated an All-American Road.

Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or just along for the ride, Arizona has many scenic roads to make your trip worth taking.

But, what exactly is an official “scenic road” and who makes that determination?

Well, the term “scenic road” often is used to describe several types of roadways offering visual, historic and cultural significance.

Anyone may nominate a road for local and/or national designation. Find out more on the process (/about/historic-and-scenic-roads/designating-state-scenic-road).

ADOT oversees the designating and planning of five types of scenic roads, including:

Scenic roads offer a memorable visual impression, are free of visual encroachment and form a harmonious composite of visual patterns. Scenic roads are the most commonly designated type. In Arizona there are 18 roads designated as scenic roads.
Historic roads offer historical importance to the cultural heritage of the state, nation or region, contribute to a historical area or exploration/settlement of Arizona , are easily accessible and unique. There are two historic roads in Arizona.

Parkways meet scenic or historic road criteria, have a one-mile minimum distance between access roads, allow visitor facilities and offers controlled access and adjacent development.
National scenic byways have multi-state significance and have one or more of the following qualities: scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological or natural. They must also be a currently designated state scenic road and contain no gaps in continuity, accommodate bicycles and pedestrians.
All-American roads have national significance and posses a multiple of the following qualities: scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological or natural. They must be a currently designated state scenic road and contain no gaps in continuity, accommodate bicycles, pedestrians and scenic pullouts. The road must also be considered a destination.

For a list of all scenic roads, historic roads, parkways, national scenic byways and All-American roads in Arizona , visit ADOT's scenic roads web page.

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