SR 89A

Transportation projects in 2015 to drive economic development in Arizona

Transportation projects in 2015 to drive economic development in Arizona

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Transportation projects in 2015 to drive economic development in Arizona

Transportation projects in 2015 to drive economic development in Arizona

February 5, 2015

PHOENIX — The new year is shaping up to be a big year for the Arizona Department of Transportation, as the agency will be working on several new and existing projects that will aid economic development and support the efficient movement of goods and services across the state.

All of the projects will be funded with federal and state highway funds, which are collected through gas and vehicle license taxes. In the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, voters have approved supplemental tax revenue that enables more transportation projects to move forward in their respective regions. 

Phoenix-Area Projects for 2015

Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway
ADOT expects to release the Record of Decision for the long-proposed South Mountain Freeway this spring and work toward selecting a contractor for the proposed $1.9 billion project. The 22-mile-long freeway would run east and west along Pecos Road and then turn north between 55th and 63rd avenues, connecting with I-10 on each end. The South Mountain Freeway is also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400. 

Loop 101 and Loop 202 Widening Projects in East Valley
Much of the focus on freeway improvements in the metro Phoenix area will remain on projects that broke ground in 2014 and are due for completion in 2016. The $73 million Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) in the Scottsdale area is adding an additional lane in each direction along 11 miles of the Pima Freeway, as well as merge lanes between most major interchanges. The $109 million project to widen the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway between Loop 101 in Tempe and Broadway Road in east Mesa also will advance, with new general purpose lanes being added between Loop 101 and Gilbert Road, along with HOV lanes between Gilbert Road and Broadway Road.

Interstate 10/Loop 303 Interchange
Among the new freeway projects scheduled to start this year is the “south half” of the Interstate 10/Loop 303 Interchange, which will complete all ramp connections between the two freeways in Goodyear. Work is expected to start this fall. The north half of the interchange opened last August and, combined with a widened Loop 303 north of I-10, has been embraced by West Valley communities as much-needed infrastructure to help drive economic development in the region. 

Additional Loop 303 Improvements in Northwest Valley
Farther north along Loop 303, ADOT will launch a project to add an interchange at El Mirage Road by this spring. The new interchange will be built at the same time that crews are improving Loop 303 into a six-lane freeway between Grand Avenue (US 60) and Happy Valley Parkway in Peoria. A third project already underway is creating improved connections at the Loop 303/Grand Avenue interchange. All three projects are scheduled for completion in 2016.

US 60 Improvements in Surprise
Also in Surprise, a project to build a Bell Road bridge over Grand Avenue (US 60) and new ramps connecting the two roadways is scheduled to start late in the year, after a design-build contracting team is selected by ADOT. 

Tucson-Area Projects for 2015 

Interstate 19 Traffic Interchange Reconstruction (Ajo Way)
In 2015, ADOT will begin work to replace the existing Interstate 19 traffic interchange at State Route 86, also known as Ajo Way, with a single-point urban interchange. The modern interchange will feature a single set of traffic signals, rather than signals at multiple locations. The $86 million project is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for motorists traveling through Tucson’s southwest side. Construction is expected to continue through 2017 and will also include widening I-19 from Ajo Way to Irvington Road and widening SR 86 to three lanes in each direction between 16th Avenue and Holiday Isle.

State Route 77 Widening (Tangerine Road to Pinal County Line)
After starting work in summer 2014, ADOT will continue efforts to upgrade a six-mile section of SR 77 (Oracle Road) between Tangerine Road and the Pinal county line from two lanes to three lanes in each direction. Along with widening the roadway, planned improvements include raised medians, traffic signal and drainage improvements, wildlife crossings, sound walls and multiuse paths. The $33.9 million project is slated to take two years to complete. 

State Route 86 Widening (Valencia to Kinney Roads)
In 2015, ADOT is expected to begin construction on expanding SR 86 (Ajo Highway) in each direction from Valencia to Kinney roads in Pima County, 10 miles west of downtown Tucson. This seven-mile-long, $55 million project in Pima County will enhance safety and improve traffic flow on the highway, which serves as a regional transportation route between Tucson and south-central Arizona. SR 86 provides access to the Tohono O'odham Nation and is widely used to reach the popular tourist destination in Mexico called Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point.

Statewide Projects for 2015

Northern Arizona

US 93 Widening (State Route 71 to State Route 89 and Antelope Wash sections)
ADOT will continue long-standing efforts to transform the heavily traveled corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas into a modern four-lane divided highway throughout the entire 200-mile stretch with two US 93 widening projects this year. After beginning last year, ADOT will complete upgrading a three-mile segment of US 93 (Antelope Wash), located approximately 20 miles north of Wikieup (mileposts 101-104) this summer. A second US 93 widening project (State Route 71 to State Route 89), just north of Wickenburg (mileposts 185-190), is expected to break ground this spring. 

State Route 89A Spot Widening (Vista Overlook to JW Powell)
This $22.5 million project is slated to improve safety and traffic flow by widening the roadway and constructing passing lanes entering and exiting Oak Creek Canyon through an eight-mile stretch from the popular tourist destination Vista Overlook to the JW Powell interchange, three miles south of Flagstaff. Design of the project is nearly complete and ADOT hopes to start construction this year.

Interstate 40 Pavement Improvements (various projects)
ADOT has several major resurfacing projects in the works along the nearly 360-mile-long I-40, which is one of Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors, as it stretches from California to the New Mexico state line, Three major pavement preservation projects are set to take place in 2015. This spring will complete final paving on the Rattlesnake Wash to US 93 (mileposts 57-72) section east of Kingman after the project began last summer. Later this year, ADOT will start two new resurfacing projects east of Flagstaff, including the Navajo county line to Minnetonka (milepost 250-259) and Walnut Canyon to Twin Arrows (milepost 214-218) segments.

US 89 Landslide Repairs (near Bitter Springs)
ADOT is scheduled to reopen US 89 south of Page after the highway was closed on Feb. 20, 2013 after a landslide caused serious damage to the highway near the Echo Cliffs. Major work on the repairs began on Aug. 11, 2014 as crews began excavating nearly one million cubic yards of rock near the highway to build a buttress, which will stabilize and reinforce the mountain slope that carries the roadway. The $25 million repair project remains on target to reopen to traffic this spring, in advance of this summer’s tourism season in Page and Lake Powell. 

Southern Arizona

US 60 Widening (Silver King/Superior Streets)
This spring, ADOT is expected to start a project to convert the last remaining two-lane roadway segment on US 60 between Phoenix and Superior into a modern, four-lane divided highway. The $45 million project (mileposts 222-227), which will also include improving the urban section of highway in Superior, is expected to take two years to complete.

US 95 Fortuna Wash Bridge
This $13.5 million project is part of a larger corridor improvement project for US 95, the north and south corridor between Yuma and Quartzsite. US 95 is also the main route to the Yuma Proving Ground, which is one of the largest employers in Yuma County and one of the Army’s busiest training sites in the U.S. This project includes a bridge over Fortuna Wash, which often floods during heavy rains. This project is scheduled to begin in the spring.

US 95 San Luis Street Improvements
This $11 million project includes reconfiguring San Luis Port of Entry traffic off US 95 in San Luis to facilitate business along Main Street. The project, which began in October 2014, will help the circulation of traffic, enhance pedestrian safety and improve access to downtown businesses near the U.S.-Mexico international border. Work will be completed this year.

Major Studies

Interstate 11
ADOT’s Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study continues to move forward. This year, work will begin on an Environmental Impact Statement which will allow ADOT to begin an environmental study in the area between Nogales and Wickenburg, part of the proposed Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor. The $15 million Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement is expected to take three years to complete, once work gets underway later this year. Interstate 11, which will connect Arizona to the entire Intermountain West, is one of our state’s Key Commerce Corridors. I-11 is being planned as a multimodal freight corridor and a manufacturing belt that will drive trade, commerce, job growth and economic development while facilitating strong connections to other major markets.

Passenger Rail
The next major step for ADOT’s Passenger Rail Corridor Study: Tucson to Phoenix is to publish the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for public review. Three public hearings will be held later this year in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties to allow community members to comment on the recommendations of the study. Following the public review process, the final recommendations and environmental considerations will be issued on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for federal approval. ADOT is currently evaluating three final rail alternatives. The Passenger Rail Corridor Study is expected to be completed later this year. ADOT’s mission is to evaluate and implement modes of transportation to provide a well-balanced, flexible transportation system that moves people and commerce throughout Arizona.

State Route 89A/Beulah Boulevard to be closed south of Flagstaff starting next week

State Route 89A/Beulah Boulevard to be closed south of Flagstaff starting next week

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 89A/Beulah Boulevard to be closed south of Flagstaff starting next week

State Route 89A/Beulah Boulevard to be closed south of Flagstaff starting next week

October 24, 2014

PHOENIX – As part of an improvement project to realign State Route 89A/Beulah Boulevard near Fort Tuthill County Park just south of Flagstaff, the Arizona Department of Transportation will temporarily restrict access along a portion of the highway between the north park entrance and Purple Sage Trail, beginning on Monday, Oct. 27 at 6 a.m. and ending Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.

During the full closure, SR 89A/Beulah Boulevard northbound traffic may exit onto Interstate 17 from JW Powell Boulevard and take Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road) to return to Beulah Boulevard. For southbound travel, traffic may take McConnell Drive to Milton Road/I-17, and travel to Exit 337 at JW Powell Boulevard to connect to SR 89A.

During construction, traffic may still enter and exit the park at Fort Tuthill Loop and also at Purple Sage Trail.

The full closure will allow crews to build a new roadway transition from the existing SR 89A/Beulah Boulevard alignment to the new roadway intersection being built at JW Powell Boulevard.

The $6.2 million improvement project, which began in May, will realign State Route 89A/Beulah Boulevard in the vicinity of Fort Tuthill County Park and construct two roundabouts, one at the entrance of the park and the other at the I-17 southbound ramps, to provide a safer transition for traffic through the intersections.

ADOT ready to address post-Slide Fire flood issues on State Route 89A

ADOT ready to address post-Slide Fire flood issues on State Route 89A

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT ready to address post-Slide Fire flood issues on State Route 89A

ADOT ready to address post-Slide Fire flood issues on State Route 89A

July 8, 2014

PHOENIX — The Slide Fire has been extinguished, but the threat of flash floods, mudslides and rock slides is real in the Oak Creek Canyon area. Just in the last week, the Arizona Department of Transportation has been forced to temporarily close a portion of State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff on three occasions due to flooding and debris flowing along the burn area near the highway.

Large-scale wildfires can dramatically alter the vegetation and soil conditions, which increase the risk of flooding from monsoon rains through the burn and downstream areas. Fire debris, mud and silt clog streambeds and drainage culverts, thereby increasing the likelihood of flood damage.

Following the wildfires within Coconino National Forest, ADOT has been preparing to combat potential flooding issues along SR 89A north of Sedona. While ADOT has no plans to close SR 89A for the entirety of the monsoon season, there is the possibility that the highway could be closed periodically due to flash floods and other risks, particularly during heavy rains.

In an effort to minimize the impact of post-Slide Fire risks, ADOT has initiated several flood-damage mitigation measures recently, including staging heavy equipment, including road graders, in the Oak Creek Canyon area and positioning staff in the canyon during adverse weather conditions.

Before, during and after the most recent monsoon storms during the Fourth of July weekend, ADOT crews have been clearing accumulated debris from drainage culverts and roadside ditches. Additional post-fire maintenance includes repairing roadway embankments along burned out slopes within ADOT’s right of way in an effort to restore the vegetation.

Maintenance crews have also replaced burnt erosion control features such as logs, rock dams and “wattles,” which are straw-filled canvas tubes that help keep the soil and debris off highways, in preparation for potential floods.

ADOT, which is responsible for maintaining areas within the highway right of way, is working in coordination with the other governmental jurisdictions, agencies and private property owners whose responsibility includes restoration and flood-prevention work on the damaged watershed.

When the National Weather Service forecasts potential thunderstorms in the canyon, ADOT works closely with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Sedona Fire and Police Department, U.S. Forest Service, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety to set up informational checkpoints along SR 89A near Slide Rock State Park and Vista Point overlook to warn motorists about the potential flood risks and distribute flood hazard safety pamphlets. More than 4,500 pamphlets were distributed during the Fourth of July weekend.

“ADOT is partnering with DPS, U.S. Forest Service, Coconino County, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, city of Sedona, Sedona Fire Department, Sedona Police Department, and Yavapai County to ensure the safety of the traveling public in the Oak Creek Canyon area,” said Flagstaff District Engineer Audra Merrick, and reminds travelers, “Oak Creek Canyon is a beautiful place to visit, particularly in the summer, but drivers need to use caution and be prepared for what could happen.

“Drivers need to be alert for changing weather conditions, be tuned to weather reports and be aware of the risks, which could include flowing debris, flash floods, mudslides and rockslides.”

ADOT is warning motorists traveling between Sedona and Flagstaff to be aware that changing weather conditions could create hazardous driving conditions in matter of minutes. Every motorist should be aware of the following monsoon safety driving tips:

  • Don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Water is a powerful force that should not be underestimated.
  • Do not drive around “Road Closed” signs. You risk your life and face being cited under the state’s “Stupid Motorist” law.
  • If traffic lights are out, treat an intersection just like a four-way stop.
  • Expect the unexpected. Have extra supplies, including an emergency kit and drinking water, in case you experience an extended highway closure.
  • Storm runoff can loosen boulders and rocks on slopes above highways. Stay alert in rockfall-prone areas.

Additional information on post-wildfire recovery and mitigation can be obtained through the Arizona Division of Emergency Management at www.azein.gov.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 5-1-1.

Crews worked to complete SR 89A repairs ahead of schedule

Crews worked to complete SR 89A repairs ahead of schedule

SR24-1

Crews worked to complete SR 89A repairs ahead of schedule

Crews worked to complete SR 89A repairs ahead of schedule

June 26, 2014

Remember when we told you that the SR 89A improvement project would require five-week full closure through the switchbacks between Sedona and Flagstaff?

Well, crews wrapped things up ahead of schedule and (good news) the road closure was lifted early!

The “switchbacks” section of SR 89A opened to motorists the night of June 16. The three-mile section had been closed to allow crews to resurface the highway along this narrow, twisty section of roadway, which is prone to rockfalls. As part of the $2 million improvement project, ADOT removed loose rocks from the mountainside along the roadway and made deck repairs to the historic Pumphouse Wash Bridge.

You can see in the video above why a full closure was necessary…

In addition to removing and replacing the existing asphalt, crews also made repairs to the surface of the historic Pumphouse Wash Bridge and performed rock fall mitigation work in this area.

The rock scaling portion of the project required crews to manually pry big rocks off the side of the mountain.

Slide Fire

Besides pavement repair, rock scaling and everything else involved in the project, crews also had to contend with a major wildfire that burned near the project site.

The five-week full closure of the highway had originally been scheduled from May 27 – July 2, but crews were evacuated from the project on May 20, at the start of the Slide Fire. The wildfire originated approximately six miles south of the project near Slide Rock State Park and forced the closure of the highway from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff.

Work on the project resumed on June 1, shortly after local authorities lifted wildfire-related restrictions near the highway.

“The wonderful thing about this project was, even in spite of the delay caused by the Slide Fire and the additional repairs that were needed, crews were able to coordinate their efforts and maintain a very tight schedule and finish the project ahead of the July 2 deadline,” says Senior Community Relations Officer Coralie Cole in the video above. “We think you’re going to be very happy with the results.”

What’s next for SR 89A

ADOT will need to return next month for three weekdays to complete final lane striping through the project corridor. A single-lane restriction will be required and flaggers will be present to guide traffic through the work zone. For more information on the SR 89A improvements, please visit the project Web page.

Good news! State Route 89A switchbacks closure lifted early

Good news! State Route 89A switchbacks closure lifted early

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Good news! State Route 89A switchbacks closure lifted early

Good news! State Route 89A switchbacks closure lifted early

June 17, 2014

PHOENIX — Drivers traveling between Sedona and Flagstaff received welcome news when the Arizona Department of Transportation lifted restrictions and opened the “switchbacks” section of State Route 89A to motorists, well ahead of schedule, late last night. There are currently no construction/fire-related restrictions along SR 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.

The three-mile section of SR 89A (mileposts 387-390) between the Pine Flat Campground and the Vista Point scenic overlook south of Flagstaff was closed to allow crews to resurface the highway along this narrow, twisty section of roadway, which is prone to rockfalls. As part of the $2 million improvement project, ADOT removed loose rocks from the mountainside along the roadway and made deck repairs to the historic Pumphouse Wash Bridge.

By allowing the contractor (Phoenix-based Combs Construction) unrestricted access to the work zone, crews were able to safely complete paving, bridge repair and rock scaling work in an expedited manner that would not have been possible without the full closure of the roadway.

From the beginning, ADOT was committed to completing the project as soon as possible while focusing on safety and quality. Prior to the start of the project, ADOT provided the contractor monetary incentives to complete the project prior to the end of the scheduled five-week closure. The contractor will receive the maximum allowed bonus ($104,000) for completing the work early.

“Thanks to the swift efforts by the contractor Combs Construction and ADOT’s steadfast commitment to complete the project as efficiently and safely as possible, we were able to reopen the closed SR 89A section of roadway –  an incredible 16 days ahead of schedule,” said Flagstaff District Engineer Audra Merrick. “Despite this project’s many challenges, in the end, this will be a smoother, safer road for the traveling public for many years to come.”

The project began on April 21, with single lane restrictions in place along the switchbacks. The five-week full closure of the highway had originally been scheduled from May 27 – July 2, but crews were evacuated from the project on May 20, at the start of the Slide Fire. The wildfire originated approximately six miles south of the project near Slide Rock State Park and forced the closure of the highway from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff.

Work on the project resumed on June 1, shortly after local authorities lifted wildfire-related restrictions near the highway.

ADOT had a limited window in which to complete the paving work in this region (June – August) because applying new pavement is extremely temperature sensitive. The goal was to complete the pavement improvements prior to the rainy monsoon season, which could have delayed the project significantly.

ADOT will need to return next month to complete final lane striping through the project corridor. A single-lane restriction will be required and flaggers will be present to guide traffic through the work zone.

 

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

SR24-1

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

June 6, 2014

Today, we’ve got an update for you on a project we first blogged about at the end of last year

The project, located about three miles south of Flagstaff, involves the realignment of SR 89A and reconstruction of the southbound I-17/JW Powell Boulevard intersection.

Work has begun

Crews began construction of new alignments of SR 89A, and southbound on- and off-ramps at JW Powell Boulevard near Fort Tuthill County Park and Flagstaff-Pulliam Airport on June 2.

The project will also include the construction of roundabouts at the entrance to the park and the southbound I-17 ramps. The roundabouts will help facilitate the safer flow of traffic through the area, and will be designed to meet current and future traffic demand. Drivers can expect restrictions and lane closures throughout construction.

Project prep work happened last fall

Preparations for this project began last September when ADOT worked closely with Coconino County, the city of Flagstaff and the local utility company to remove trees to allow space for project construction while saving as many trees as possible (see video above). The area will be re-seeded with native vegetation once the project is complete.

The project is anticipated to be complete by summer 2015.

For more information, please visit the project webpage, or check out our previous post.

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

ADOT reconstructing I-17 intersection at JW Powell south of Flagstaff

June 3, 2014

PHOENIX – In order to provide a safer flow for traffic, the Arizona Department of Transportation will realign State Route 89A and reconstruct the intersection of southbound Interstate 17 and JW Powell Boulevard three miles south of Flagstaff.

Crews began construction of new alignments of SR 89A, and southbound on- and off-ramps at JW Powell Boulevard near Fort Tuthill County Park and Flagstaff-Pulliam Airport on June 2.

The project will also include the construction of roundabouts at the entrance to the park and the southbound I-17 ramps. The roundabouts will help facilitate the safer flow of traffic through the area, and will be designed to meet current and future traffic demand.

Drivers can expect restrictions and lane closures throughout construction.

Preparations for this project began last September when ADOT worked closely with Coconino County, the city of Flagstaff and the local utility company to remove trees to allow space for project construction while saving as many trees as possible. The area will be re-seeded with native vegetation once the project is complete.

The project is anticipated to be complete by summer 2015.

Members of the public can email [email protected] or call the project hotline at 855.712.8530.

State Route 89A improvement project set to resume in Oak Creek Canyon

State Route 89A improvement project set to resume in Oak Creek Canyon

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 89A improvement project set to resume in Oak Creek Canyon

State Route 89A improvement project set to resume in Oak Creek Canyon

May 30, 2014

PHOENIX – As the battle against the Slide Fire in Oak Creek Canyon winds down, the ongoing highway-improvement project along the "switchbacks" section of State Route 89A will resume this weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The previously-scheduled closure of the three-mile stretch of SR 89A between the Pine Flat Campground and the Vista scenic overlook south of Flagstaff will remain in place for several weeks while crews remove loose rocks above the switchbacks, complete other safety improvements and resurface the highway.

SR 89A will reopen to traffic before the Fourth of July weekend.

While the switchbacks section along SR 89A is closed, ADOT recommends drivers use Interstate 17 and State Route 179 to travel between Flagstaff and Sedona.

The $2 million SR 89A improvement project began on April 21, with lane restrictions in place along the switchbacks. The full closure of the highway had been scheduled to start on Tuesday (May 27) but crews were temporarily pulled off the project more than a week ago (Tuesday, May 20) due to the Slide Fire. 

SR 89A was closed for several days between Slide Rock State Park and Fort Tuthill near Flagstaff, but local authorities plan to lift wildfire-related checkpoints by late today (Friday), leaving the highway closed for the improvement project along the switchbacks.

State Route 89A switchbacks improvement project on hold due to Slide Fire

State Route 89A switchbacks improvement project on hold due to Slide Fire

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 89A switchbacks improvement project on hold due to Slide Fire

State Route 89A switchbacks improvement project on hold due to Slide Fire

May 22, 2014

PHOENIX — Due to the ongoing firefighting efforts against the Slide Fire in Oak Creek Canyon, the State Route 89A improvement project along the switchbacks north of Sedona is on hold at this time, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

ADOT had been preparing for a scheduled closure of the SR 89A switchbacks for a pavement and safety-improvement project starting on Tuesday, May 27, at the conclusion of the Memorial Day weekend.

Crews were pulled off the project Tuesday afternoon shortly after the start of the Slide Fire, which originated approximately six miles south of the project near Slide Rock State Park.

Currently, SR 89A (mileposts 375-397) remains closed in both directions between Sedona and Flagstaff due to a wildfire that began Tuesday afternoon in the Oak Creek Canyon area.

Once the fire has been contained and access is allowed in the affected area, ADOT will need to conduct a roadway and rockfall assessment prior to any work resuming on the SR 89A project. Any potential environmental issues must also be addressed following the fire and all post-fire operations will be coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service.

Work began on the $2 million project to upgrade a three-and-a-half-mile segment of SR 89A between the Pine Flat Campground and Vista Point Overlook (mileposts 387-390) on April 21.

ADOT is working with fire officials and state emergency managers to ensure the safety of drivers and is assisting with traffic control. As an alternative route, ADOT is recommending motorists take State Route 179 to Interstate 17 to travel between Sedona and Flagstaff.

There is no estimated time for the highway to reopen.

ADOT will provide updates on the status of the project and planned closure as additional information becomes available.

State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff due to fire

State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff due to fire

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff due to fire

State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff due to fire

May 21, 2014

PHOENIX – State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff due to a wildfire that began Tuesday afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

The 24-mile-long closure (mileposts 375-397) affects most of the highway between Sedona and Flagstaff as crews battle the Slide Fire in Oak Creek Canyon. ADOT is working with fire officials to ensure the safety of drivers and is assisting with traffic control.

As an alternative, ADOT is recommending drivers take State Route 179 and Interstate 17 to travel between Sedona and Flagstaff.

There is no estimated time for the highway to reopen.

Additional information on active wildfires can be obtained through the Arizona Division of Emergency Management at azein.gov.

For updates on travel conditions around the state of Arizona, please visit az511.gov or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).