Frequently asked questions

The blasting that is planned as a part of this project will only occur in small applications. This means the potential impact on any surrounding properties outside the blasting zone will be limited. In addition, the contractor will have a specialized team onsite to ensure the blasting does not impact any surrounding structures.

The contract requirements for the ledge removal at MP 375 require controlled blasting practices with design work performed by a leading industry professional with extensive experience. ADOT pre-qualified all potential bidders for the project to ensure extensive knowledge and experience by the selected contractor. The blasting consultant will also utilize seismograph instrumentation to ensure vibrations are kept to a safe and manageable level. ADOT geotechnical engineers will also review every blasting plan to ensure public safety.

The contract also requires pre-construction condition surveys of all structures within 1,000 feet of the blasting area. These condition surveys will include video to document existing structural conditions of all buildings prior to the blasting work. The contractor shall be responsible for any damage. Any property owners who will need to have a pre-construction survey will be contacted by the contractor and receive more information about the process.

There will be turnaround spots for drivers prior to the closure areas at the following locations:

South end of canyon:

• Northbound drivers can turn around at the roundabout just north of uptown Sedona.
• Southbound drivers can turn around near Purtymun Lane, just south of Sedona Views Bed and Breakfast.

North end of Canyon:

• Southbound drivers can turn around before the switchbacks at Oak Creek Vista.
• Northbound drivers can turn around near the Cave Springs Campground.

While the closures are in place, a “soft closure” will be set up to enable drivers to turn around or who need local access can get through up to the “hard closure” construction zone.

Emergency access through the canyon will be maintained at all times for first responders and other emergency crews. First responders will be able to travel through the work areas as needed for medical or other emergencies. Regarding wildfires, there will be an emergency evacuation plan in place for canyon residents and businesses.

Unfortunately, since SR 89A is so narrow there is no room to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction through the work zones during construction. Thus, it is not possible to safely construct the improvements without some limited full closures and single lane restrictions. We recognize any restrictions on SR 89A corridor are going to be inconvenient; however, we have done our best to keep the closures to a minimum and limit the overall impacts.

Due to the type of work involved and nature of the narrow corridor with steep slopes, having the contractor work at night or during the winter when there is the possibility of ice and snow is both hazardous and much more costly. The blasting work at the south end of the project cannot be completed at night, as this would impose unacceptable safety risks to construction crews and the public. There is also some work, such as paving, that must be done in certain temperatures. In the Oak Creek Canyon/Sedona area, we typically shut down work during the winter due to the weather conditions.

ADOT will notify the public seven calendar days in advance through roadside message boards and traffic alerts via email. The best way to stay informed is to sign up to receive traffic alerts, which will be emailed directly to your inbox. Visit the project web page at azdot.gov/SR89A to sign up. In addition, ADOT will post traffic restriction and closure information on the project website and via social media, and will provide regular updates to HOAs, businesses and other stakeholders in the canyon so they can share the information with others in the canyon.

Aside from the five daytime full closures at MP 375, which are allowed to occur from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, we do not anticipate any weekend or holiday closures. However, there will be 24/7 lane restrictions in place at the bridge and erosion control work zones while construction is underway on these two improvements. This will include temporary traffic signals. Closures are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or traffic incidents.

The contractor is required to notify ADOT 20 business days in advance of all full closures. Once the closure and traffic-control plans are approved, ADOT will inform the public seven calendar days in advance through roadside message boards and email notification.

The five full closures at the south end (MP 375) of the project are not slated to occur until sometime between mid-May and late July 2023. The 10 overnight full closures at the north end (MP 387 - 389) may occur anytime over the course of the project. However, it is important to note that closures and restrictions are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

The detour routes are expected to add about an hour of travel time, depending on the point of origin and destination, without any other additional traffic delays. The one lane of travel through the north end of the canyon with temporary signals is expected to add approximately 45 minutes during weekday off-peak times and approximately one hour during peak travel periods. However, this corridor is subject to wide variations in traffic levels so there could be times when travel times are higher.

• Drivers traveling from Sedona to Flagstaff will use State Route 179 to Interstate 17.
• Drivers traveling from Flagstaff to Sedona will use I-17 to SR 179.
• Message boards and other social media will be used to notify the traveling public seven calendar
• days in advance of full closures.
• A signed detour will also be provided during the closures.