McConnell Drive closing April 13, Mountain Line Route 10 to reroute

McConnell Drive will be closed in both directions between the on- and off-ramps under Interstate 17, detouring motorists and Mountain Line’s Route 10 bus route, from April 13 to Aug. 17. When possible, access for emergency vehicles will remain.

This closure is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s project to widen and improve the I-17 bridge over McConnell Drive. With reduced traffic volumes and remote learning at NAU, ADOT and its contractor have decided closing McConnell Drive now, instead of in the summer, will accelerate the project. The anticipated dates and times of the closures are below.

McConnell Drive is scheduled to be closed around the clock from Monday, April 13, through Friday, May 1. Beginning Saturday, May 2, McConnell Drive is scheduled to be closed between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily through Sunday, May 31, while crews work on the next phase of the project.

From June 1 to Aug. 17, McConnell is scheduled to be closed 24/7. The I-17 off-ramp to McConnell Drive also will be closed during this time.

For access to Northern Arizona University, drivers can use Milton Road and take University Drive to Knoles Drive. For access to west Flagstaff, drivers can use Milton Road and take Forest Meadows Street to Beulah Boulevard.

Starting April 13, Mountain Line’s Route 10 will detour to Milton Road. This route is anticipated to last through Aug. 17. The following stops will be closed.

  • Stops 7 and 14: Social and Behavioral Sciences building
  • Stops 6 and 15: Gabaldon Hall

When Route 10 buses leave Woodlands Village area, they will continue on Beulah Boulevard past McConnell Drive, turning right on Forest Meadows Street and then left on Milton Road. When buses exit the NAU campus to return to Woodlands Village, buses will use University Drive to Milton Road. The following temporary stops will be available.

  • NAU or downtown-bound Route 10 riders can access the existing Route 14, Stop 15 at Milton Road and Interstate 17 (Mobil).
  • Woodlands Village-bound Route 10 riders can access the existing Route 4, Stop 4 at Milton Road and Forest Meadows Street.
  • Temporary east- and westbound stops will be established on the NAU campus on University Drive west of the Knoles Drive intersection.

Riders wanting to access NAU south campus via transit can exit Mountain Line at the University and Knoles drive temporary stop and board the NAU Axe Light route at the Wilson Hall or Gabaldon Hall stops.

Riders who typically use an impacted bus stop and may have difficulty accessing a temporary stop due to disability can request a reasonable modification by calling Mountain Line at (928) 679-8911 or emailing transportation@naipta.az.gov. Questions regarding McConnell closures should be directed to ADOT by calling (928) 525-6494 or emailing Mkirby@azdot.gov.