Oak Creek Canyon Switchbacks Bracing for Road Closure August 19-23

Full daytime closures will occur Monday through Friday, from August 19 to 23, with a 24/7 single-lane restriction continuing through late August.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advises drivers, residents, and businesses near State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon to prepare for upcoming daytime full closures and ongoing lane restrictions. These closures are necessary for drainage and sediment repair following a March 2023 rockfall event in Oak Creek Canyon.

The short-term closure initially planned for Tuesday, August 13, has been canceled. However, closures from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, and Friday, August 16, remain in effect from milepost 387 to 390.

Residences and businesses located to the north and south of the closure zone will remain accessible during these times.

Additional Full Closures

Full closures are scheduled from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from August 19 to August 23. Both northbound and southbound lanes of SR 89A will be closed to all traffic between the switchbacks and Oak Creek Vista (mileposts 387-390).

A detour is in place for northbound drivers from Sedona heading to Flagstaff via State Route 179 to Interstate 17. Southbound drivers from Flagstaff heading to Sedona should use I-17 to SR 179. The roadway will reopen to one lane with alternating north- and southbound travel every day after work hours between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m., managed by a temporary traffic signal.

Continued Single-Lane Restrictions

SR 89A is limited to a single lane with alternating north- and southbound travel from milepost 387 to 390, 24 hours a day through late August. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected while passing through the work zone, and a vehicle-width restriction of 10 feet will be enforced. The speed limit will be reduced.

There may be additional intermittent full closures as required by construction activities. ADOT will provide prior notice for such closures. The agency is working closely with emergency responders to ensure emergency vehicles have access during the closures and restrictions.

For further information, contact ADOT Community Relations Project Manager Jason Stephens at (480) 751-7104.