The City proposed two separate efforts on SR 89A to reduce traffic congestion in Uptown. The project at Amara Lane is complete.

Northbound 89A and Forest Road

A left-turn lane, two northbound lanes, and a Shared Use Path running parallel to the road will be added to northbound 89A between L’Auberge Lane and Forest Road. Combs Construction Company was selected as the contractor and work began at the end of November, 2023.

Construction is expected to be complete by March 2024.

Additional work includes removing and replacing the existing curb and gutter along the east side of SR89A (between L’Auberge Lane and Forest Road), constructing a permanent barrier for the left turn lane onto Forest Road. The project also includes removing parking spaces along the northbound lane of SR89A (between Forest Road and the Jordan Road Roundabout), adjusting traffic signal timing to improve traffic flow, new retaining walls, signage, landscaping and storm drain system upgrades along the project corridor. Following completion of the work referenced above, sections of distressed pavement along the northbound lane of SR89A will be removed and replaced (between the Jordan Road Roundabout and Art Barn Road).

As part of the city’s Sedona in Motion program, this project is being undertaken to reduce the northbound congestion along SR89A that often spills back to the “Y” roundabout and creates further congestion for both SR179 and northbound SR89A to Cooks Hill.

To complete this project as quickly as possible, the contractor will work during both day and night hours. Work may occur Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM and 7 PM to 5 AM. Please be aware of lane restrictions, temporary street, sidewalk and driveway closures, reduced speeds, rough road conditions, loud noise, and flagging operations throughout the work zone. Driveway access will be maintained as best as possible, however, access may alter on a day-to-day basis. Personnel will work to maintain access and will communicate alternate means of ingress and egress throughout the project. Temporary driveway closures may be necessary at times. The contractor will work to coordinate this work on an individual basis.

Artist rendering showing an aerial view of proposed improvements to northbound 89A:

Artist rendering showing a typical cross-section of proposed improvements to northbound 89A:

Northbound 89A at Amara Lane

The loading zone on 89A was replaced with a dedicated right turn lane into Amara Lane and the project is complete. Ongoing traffic studies have demonstrated an 18% efficiency improvement in traffic and pedestrian movement. Before the right-hand turn lane was established, cars wanting to turn right on Amara Lane had to wait for a break in pedestrian traffic, causing backups on northbound SR 89A. Now cars pull out of the through lane and into their own turning lane, so that northbound traffic can continue moving freely.

Southbound improvements

The Uptown Roadway Improvements Project began June 3, 2019 and was substantially complete on September 14, 2020. Southbound State Route 89A traffic was reduced by 80 percent. 

The project included: