ADOT to Begin Paving on US 93 North of Wickenburg on Jan. 26, 2026

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that crews will begin an extensive paving operation on U.S. Highway 93 north of Wickenburg on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. According to ADOT’s Jan. 22 news release, the work will occur along a 12‑mile segment of the highway between the town of Wikieup and the Santa Maria River. During construction hours, motorists can expect significant lane restrictions and flaggers directing traffic through the work zone. ADOT says that from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 5 a.m. until noon on Fridays, one lane of the northbound or westbound side of US 93 will be closed while crews remove the existing surface and lay new pavement. Drivers should plan for pilot cars leading alternating traffic through the narrowed work zone and a reduced 25‑mile‑per‑hour speed limit.

U.S. 93 serves as a critical transportation link between Phoenix and Las Vegas. The highway is currently a mix of divided and undivided sections, and ADOT has been gradually upgrading it to a four‑lane divided highway to enhance safety and keep pace with increasing traffic volumes. The new paving project is part of a $26.6 million contract that includes grading, drainage improvements and wider shoulders. When finished, the road will feature two lanes in each direction separated by a median, modern guardrails and rumble strips. ADOT expects the pavement and shoulder work to be complete later this year and final striping and other finishing tasks to wrap up in 2027. These improvements aim to reduce head‑on collisions and provide smoother travel for both commercial and passenger vehicles.

While the pavement project is underway, motorists should budget extra time for their trips. ADOT warns that delays of up to 15 minutes are possible while pilot cars escort vehicles through the single‑lane section. No work is scheduled during nighttime hours or on weekends, but drivers should remain alert for changing traffic patterns and heavy equipment entering and exiting the highway. Oversize loads wider than 12 feet will not be permitted to travel through the work area during construction hours. ADOT urges drivers to slow down, obey posted signs and watch for workers. Travelers can find updates on current traffic conditions and any schedule changes by visiting az511.gov or by following ADOT on social media. With patience and careful planning, drivers can help keep construction crews safe and ensure the project stays on schedule.