The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced a major drainage improvement project on US 89 that kicks off April 1. This initiative, setting out to enhance the storm runoff infrastructure, begins approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown Flagstaff, and it will see the highway reduced to one lane in each direction all day, every day until its completion later this year.
The necessary work, spurred by damage caused by monsoon runoff and debris that battered the drainage channels in the summer of 2022, will extend between mileposts 423 and 432. According to ADOT's announcement, motorists should be prepared for delays, consider additional travel time, adhere to decreased speed limits, and stay vigilant of the construction crews and their equipment.
Beyond just fixing up the drainage channels, the $17 million project has several items on the agenda. Some of these improvements include repairing drainage spillways, overhauling certain stormwater drains, making enhancements to concrete box culverts, and addressing the wear and tear on pavement. After things are torn apart and put back together, drivers can look forward to newly planted native vegetation and fresh lane striping.
During this construction saga, temporary median crossovers will be paved to facilitate the seamless shifting of traffic to either side of the highway, allowing the construction of box culverts that tunnel beneath US 89. For those seeking prompt updates on highway conditions, real-time information is available through their Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov and the AZ511 app, available for both Apple and Android devices.
