Arizona Department of Transportation’s plan to put 76 streetlights along Hwy. 89 in West Sedona isn’t final.

Arizona Department of Transportation’s plan to put 76 streetlights along Hwy. 89 in West Sedona isn’t final.

Design is in a very preliminary stage, ADOT spokeswoman Sally Stewart said.

“We can refine the concepts,” Stewart said.

But, ADOT doesn’t necessarily have to adhere to Dark Sky regulations.

“Sedona’s dark sky ordinance does not apply to state right-

of-way,” Stewart said.

On June 12, ADOT presented a highway lighting plan to Sedona City Council that included incorporation of 76 lights from Airport Road to Dry Creek Road.

Since then, many residents have been up in arms over the impact 76 lights would have on Sedona’s dark sky.

Numerous residents voiced their concern during public comment at recent council meetings, including Keep Sedona Beautiful President Barbara Litrell.

Litrell could not be reached for comment prior to press time.

After residents raised concern, Councilman Rob Adams asked that council revisit the issue in a work session set for Wednesday, Aug. 15. Adams said council needs to hear from the public.

Stewart said the light fixtures proposed are approved by the International Dark Sky Association. The fixtures are shielded to minimize stray horizontal light and direct light vertically toward the street and sidewalk.

ADOT and the city are partners on the project, Stewart said.

“We did the project at their [the city’s] request,” Stewart said.

After three nighttime pedestrian deaths on Hwy. 89A, the city asked ADOT for help, according to Stewart.

“Safety is the primary reason for this project, and it’s a concern of the city’s,” Stewart said.

The project is in what Stewart called the scoping phase, during which public input is appropriate.

ADOT is currently looking into illumination, spacing, aesthetics and availability of electricity for the project.

Details have to be refined before the project will move into the actual design phase, according to Stewart.