An underground water line break which caused damage to the roadway is blamed for closing a portion of Highway 89 in Prescott between the Watson Lake and Phippen Roundabouts. Traffic is being diverted to Old SR 89 to go around the damaged roadway, however alternate routes are advised to avoid the area entirely. Repairs are expected to take at least two weeks.
Janet Ramsay, Deputy Director of Public Works, said, “Please avoid the area by using Willow Creek Road via Pioneer Parkway or Willow Lake Road as an alternate. The line is treated effluent, so we reported the leak to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), but we do not expect this partially treated water to be a significant health concern.”
The 4th of July Fireworks celebration at Watson Lake will continue, with some minor traffic flow changes, as follows:
• Entry into the event can be accessed from Southbound HWY 89 via the detour into Watson Lake or via Eastbound Willow Lake Rd
• Northbound HWY 89 will be closed at the Watson Lake Roundabout. All ADA and VIP parked vehicles will be directed to Westbound Willow Lake Rd. All main parking vehicles will exit onto Southbound HWY 89.
A more extensive closure area may be needed after the crews determine the full extent of the damage to SR 89. However, the Public Works Department hopes to keep the current detour in place at least through the 4th of July weekend.