Expect lane closures, up to 30-minute delays on State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon through fall

SEDONA — Drivers who use State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon should plan for long delays and lane closures in both directions from just north of Sedona to the bottom of the switchbacks, this fall while crews complete hazard tree removal work and begin pavement preservation work.

Crews are currently removing hazard trees from both sides of SR 89A from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, until late October. Hazard trees are generally identified as dead or dying; pose a danger of falling into the roadway because of high winds, unstable soil or other factors; or otherwise can cause harm to life or property.

Pavement-improvement work will occur from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday nights through Thursday mornings, beginning in early October and continuing through mid-December.

After paving work is complete, crews will begin the replacement of over 30,000 feet of guardrail through the project. This work will continue through the spring.

The following traffic restrictions will be in place when crews are working:

  1. SR 89A will be narrowed to one lane only and drivers could experience delays up to 30 minutes.
  2. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct drivers through the work zone.
  3. Speeds will be reduced to 25 mph.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

For more information, visit the project website.