A section of U.S. Route 89A in Northern Arizona was significantly damaged by a flood earlier this month, and while the road is open again, the Arizona Department of Transportation is preparing to make repairs along the route.
The department said last week that it needs to repair three box culverts and drainage channels to allow floodwaters to safely pass underneath the roadway. ADOT also will make additional repairs to the roadway and pavement. A contractor is being sought for the repairs.
The August 9 storm dumped about 1.5 inches of rain in the area in just 20 minutes. The resulting flood washed several boulders, some as large as 15 feet in diameter, over the roadway. The boulders traveled some 2 miles from the nearby Vermilion Cliffs.
Crews cleared mud and debris from the roadway in the week after the storm, but ADOT said further repairs are needed to prevent damage during future floods.
About half a mile of U.S. 89A is restricted to one-way traffic, but ADOT said delays due to the restriction have been negligible. And the Kaibab Plateau is beautiful this time of year, so why not head that way for a drive on the North Rim Parkway or a campout at Jacob Lake Campground?
Photo: An excavator clears debris along U.S. Route 89A between Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. | Courtesy of Arizona Department of Transportation