Arizona Department of Transportation SR 179 Improvement Project
(800) 529-2876 www.scenic179.com pr@scenic179.com

Welcome to the State Route (SR) 179 Project Weekly Construction Update - your electronic connection to the SR 179 Project with the most current information on construction plans and activities.

What to Watch for Week of March 3

Construction Chat will be held this Thursday, March 6 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the ADOT Project Office at 70 Bell Rock Plaza in the Village of Oak Creek.

The SR 179 Project will be featured on Yavapai Broadcasting this Tuesday, March 5 at 8 a.m.

Project 1
Pedestrian Movement at Roundabouts
Preparations Underway for Traffic Switch in Forest
Driveway Work at Two Locations
Paving and Median Work

Project 2
Oak Creek Bridge Work
Post Office Driveway Work
Preliminary Work at Brewer
Coordination with Other Construction Projects
Stormwater Polution Prevention

Project 1

Pedestrian Movement at Roundabouts

With the roundabouts completed in the Village, the crosswalks for pedestrians are being completed.  As shown in the photo, there are ramps built specifically for pedestrians at each leg of the roundabouts. These photos of roundabout intersections in the Village have been enhanced to show how the ramps and crosswalks operate.  Once the final layer of rubber asphalt is laid, the final striping will be complete, including the crosswalks.

It is important to note that pedestrians should NOT cross through the center circle of the roundabout.  All pedestrian crossings should be from "street corner to street corner," as with any intersection. Because of the medians, which provide a 'refuge', pedestrians only need to cross one lane of traffic at a time.

Click here for a Printable version (PDF)

Preparations Underway for Traffic Switch in Forest

Crews are working on final preparations to switch two-way traffic onto the new southbound alignment and begin reconstructing the northbound alignment, where traffic is currently running.  The final preparations include striping parking spaces at the newly expanded Bell Rock Vista and at the new Yavapai Point scenic pullout, as well as replanting salvaged trees.  The tree planting is scheduled for mid March and anticipated to take approximately two weeks.  It is anticipated that traffic will be switched in four to six weeks.

Driveway Work at Two Locations

Crews are in the areas of Castle Rock and Bell Rock Boulevards finishing the driveways for Circle K and Desert Flour Bakery.  Please be mindful that alternate access is always available to businesses while driveways are being completed.  Crews are using a special quick setting mix that cures in two days allowing driveways to re-open as soon as possible. All driveway work is anticipated to be complete this week.

Paving and Median Work

Paving operations will continue.  Some paving may need to occur on weekends due to asphalt plant availability.  Crews also are working on completing the raised medians throughout the Village.  The entire project in the Village is nearing completion.

Project 2

Oak Creek Bridge Work

Crews are continuing work in the area of Oak Creek on the new bridge.  Late last week, a temporary bridge was erected for construction use and access.  The water diversion system is in place and working, allowing crews to work in the area.  The sequence of work on the bridge will be as follows:

1. Construct the pedestrian bridge north of the existing bridge
2. Construct the south portion of the new bridge (about 3/5 of the finished product) and put two way traffic on the new 3/5
3. Demolish the existing bridge
4. Build the remaining 2/5 of the new bridge

Post Office Driveway Work

Crews will continue working on the new post office driveway.  Post office access will always remain open during construction.  When circulation patterns are due to change, ADOT will provide information to the community including a postcard mailing, newspaper advertisement, and posters hung around the community, as well as information in this weekly update and on our website at www.scenic179.com.

Preliminary Work at Brewer

Work will begin on a retaining wall on the south side of SR 89A at Brewer Road in preparation for building the roundabout there.  For now, it will be hand work and will not impact traffic.

Coordination with Other Construction Projects

There are quite a few construction projects occurring simultaneously in Sedona, and ADOT is working diligently to coordinate with all of these projects.  For example, the Church of the Red Rocks is undergoing an expansion, and coordination with ADOT was necessary for their utility work.  In additon, ADOT was notified of that project's recent closure of Bowstring Drive.  Other projects include:

• Chapel Sewer and Storm Drain
• Hyatt Phase II
• The Preserve in Uptown
• Pump Station Upgrade near Ranger Road
• Creek Walk Project

Stormwater Polution Prevention

If you notice as you drive along SR 179 the placement of what look like "straw snakes" along the side of the road, these are called "wattles" and are put in place as part of the required Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).  These prevent sediment from the construction project from leaving the project during storms.

Please note: Changes to construction plans can happen frequently due to weather, equipment availability and personnel issues. We try to anticipate construction activities a week in advance but changes may occur. Intermittent lane closures, with short delays, may not always be known in advance.

For a complete listing of freeway and highway restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT's Travel Information Site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1.