SR 89A closures scheduled in Oak Creek Canyon starting Aug. 15

Drivers should allow extra time, use I-17, SR 179 as detour routes

FLAGSTAFF - Two-hour morning closures are scheduled next week on State Route 89A at the switchbacks in Oak Creek Canyon south of Flagstaff as work continues on a rockfall mitigation project, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

SR 89A will be closed from approximately 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, and Friday, Aug. 16, along a 3-mile stretch roughly between Cookstove Draw and Oak Creek Vista (mileposts 387-390).

Meanwhile, SR 89A also is scheduled to be closed in the same area from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (Aug. 19-23).

Drivers who normally would use SR 89A for travel between Sedona and Flagstaff during the closure times should plan on using a detour along Interstate 17 and SR 179.

ADOT's safety project, which will continue into the fall, requires closures and lane restrictions in the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks area. SR 89A remains narrowed to one lane only with alternating traffic controlled by trailer-based temporary traffic signals.

Crews are working to stabilize a cliff face above SR 89A where a rockslide occurred in March 2023.

A 10 foot vehicle-width restriction also is in place in the project 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 (download for Appleor Androiddevices) or by calling 511.