Motorists traveling along US 163 near Kayenta in the northern part of Arizona will not be able to cross the Laguna Creek bridge while the Arizona Department of Transportation completes geotechnical work in the area.

US 163 will be closed in both directions at Laguna Creek bridge from 8 p.m. to midnight, Nov. 14 and 15, and then again on Nov. 17 and 18. Drivers will need to find alternate routes or delay travel through the area during these times. A designated detour route is not available.

Because of a long-range project to replace the US 163 bridge over Laguna Creek, ADOT needs to conduct geotechnical work of the riverbed. With no access to the riverbed, ADOT will use a 90-ton crane to lower auguring equipment approximately 65 feet to Laguna Creek and then lift it out.

The size of the crane will block both lanes of the two-lane bridge. Accommodations will be made for emergency vehicles traveling in the area. Drivers who must cross the bridge because of an emergency should contact local law enforcement.

For more information about this project, please call Coralie Cole, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer, at 602.501.4899 or email ccole@azdot.gov.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but it’s possible that unscheduled closures or restrictions might occur because of weather or other factors. For the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511 except while driving.