Alternative route to U.S. 89 has issues
An alternative route to the wrecked U.S. 89, south of Page, has problems. The dirt-surfaced Navajo Route 20 runs parallel to the landslide-damaged highway. It is a short-term fix for some commuters, but accidents have been reported. The Navajo Division of Transportation says the combination of clay and sand in the area has resulted in some commercial vehicles getting stuck. The Arizona Department of Transportation says the plan is to pave 27-miles of N20. The hope is to have work completed by the summer.
Dustin Krugel, an ADOT spokesperson, says it’s recommend that commuters not take N20 right now, but use one of two other routes. ADOT's website recommends drivers take U.S. 160 to S.R. 98 towards Page as the primary detour route. The site also suggests drivers take U.S. 89A north to Marble Canyon toward Fredonia to reconnect to U.S. 89 in Kanab, Utah. U.S. 89 remains closed indefinitely.
