The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has reopened the section of State Route 89A between Sedona and Slide Rock State Park. Farther north, the road remains closed, and ADOT says the closure will last a long time.
The road was damaged last week during flooding. ADOT said Oak Creek rose above its alarm level, and water from nearby streams flooded the roadway. It washed out sections of pavement, exposed guardrail posts and damaged the asphalt. According to AZFamily, ADOT announced Friday that traffic can travel from the Owenby Way roundabout in Sedona to Slide Rock State Park.
The section from Slide Rock north to the Oak Creek Vista overlook (milepost 390) remains closed, with no reopening date given. Drivers from Flagstaff can reach the overlook from the north, but they are not allowed to drive down into the canyon. ADOT explained that the work is hampered by large washouts beneath the roadway and by steep, forested terrain.
Between Sedona and Flagstaff, drivers can use only State Route 179 and Interstate 17. ADOT also warns that emergency repair work is under way on the open section. Large vehicles may have little room to turn around, and parking along the road is strictly prohibited.
The effects of the flooding are also visible in other parts of the state. According to AZFamily, homes were flooded in the Camp Verde area, and a local business owner and his team are helping neighbors with cleanup free of charge.
The sister of a Cave Creek man whose pickup truck was swept away by floodwaters is urging drivers to avoid flooded dry riverbeds (washes). The man was driving to work at Castle Hot Springs Resort on Sunday evening. Rescuers found his body on Friday after several days of searching. Cheryl Compton said: “Do your family a favor and stay home.” According to AZFamily, at its peak the wash was 6–8 feet (about 1.8–2.4 m) deep and 200 feet (about 61 m) wide.
Source: KJZZ, AZFamily
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