US 89T to open August 29th

http://navajowotd.com/post/28571346573/ahehee

I've always wanted to drive the unpaved N20 but never got around to it until today in its paved US 89T alias/disguise.

Even with the slower speeds for now, it's quicker than the earlier detour. It is a beautiful route and very nicely paved highway...and it's just in time for the Phoenix/Tucson boat owners on their drive to Lake Powell for Labor Day weekend.

Things to remember or know: 1) for the time being (until the wildlife fencing, gates and cattle guards are fully installed), the southern 2/3 has a 25mph speed limit--and for through traffic, it's only open during daylight hours; 2) do watch for cattle, horses, dogs, etc.; 3) there is ongoing ADOT construction of fences, etc. in several locations; 4) DPS and even the county sheriff's dept. has a substantial presence now.

Note to Garmin users with the latest City Navigator North America NT (2014.20): You will be auto-routed to use US89T rather than the Tuba City detour or the closed rock-slide US 89 just north of Bitter Springs. So you won't have to force a route to use it. For now, though, until it's open around the clock for through traffic, you will want to force your route north to Page (or south from Page) at night through the earlier Tuba City detour.

At least for today (Day 2 of 89T being open to through traffic) there was little traffic on it, although I did see a trailered boat being driven along 89T to reach Lake Powell. And being the Friday before Labor Day weekend, I'm convinced that every single motorcycle owner in AZ has taken the day off to make it a 4-day holiday weekend, and they're all driving north on 89 out of Flagstaff!

According to ADOT the speed limits have changed on 89T as more fencing is completed. Here is the latest post as of Sept 11:

US 89T is still only open during daylight hours.
The posted speed limit is now 35 mph on about two miles of the 44-mile stretch. The limit is 55 mph on 19 miles total, in areas where fencing has already been completed. A 19-mile segment has a posted limit of 45 mph and about four miles of the road is 40 mph.

Thanks for the update. I must say that the 25 mph limit felt like I was in a 40+mile School Zone when I drove it.

Yes, it sounds like things are progressing nicely.

I am keeping an eye for updates as we will be leaving for our winter home in Mesa in October and have planned to take a route through Page. Wasn't happy about the original detour route or the 25mph limit on 89T. Although, as a last resort, we could take 89A from, Kanab, UT to Bitter Springs, AZ.

Not sure my vehicle could stay within the a 25mph limit for a mile, let along 44 miles.

Still considering routes for an upcoming trip, so this is good news.

89T (N20) is now open without restrictions: 24 hour access and speed limit up to 55mph

http://www.azdot.gov/media/News/news-release/2013/10/15/newl...

http://www.azdot.gov/media/blog/posts/2014/01/24/us-89-updat...