HOUCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Nygren joined community leaders, transportation partners, project workers and local families on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for the groundbreaking of improvements to Navajo Route N9402, marking the beginning of Phase I construction on a long-awaited road project serving communities south of Interstate 40.
Hosted by the Navajo Division of Transportation at Houck Chapter, the groundbreaking represents years of planning, funding, engineering and coordination to move N9402 from an existing earth road toward a safer and more reliable transportation corridor connecting the Sanders, Allentown, Houck and Lupton areas.
“This groundbreaking means our people will finally see years of planning turn into construction,” President Nygren said. “For the families who travel this road every day, and especially our children who ride school buses along this corridor, safe roads matter.
N9402 extends from Sanders to Lupton on the south side of Interstate 40. Phase I begins near Sanders and continues toward Allentown, while Phase II will continue from the Allentown area toward Lupton Chapter. The project has required extensive coordination since former Council Delegate Raymond Smith approached Navajo DOT in 2022 seeking improvements to the route. Smith and Arizona State Rep. Myron Tsosie helped advance state funding for the project.
Phase I is supported by $10 million in Arizona appropriation funding, a $10 million Arizona Department of Transportation allocation and an additional $3 million in Síhasin funding dedicated by Council Delegate Arbin Mitchell. The additional funding extended Phase I by 1.02 miles, bringing the project length to approximately 8.52 miles.
“This is what happens when we bring resources together and stay committed to our communities,” President Nygren said. “I thank Delegate Mitchell, Representative Tsosie, our chapter leaders, Navajo DOT and every partner who helped bring this project to construction.”
One of the project’s most significant challenges involved securing consent across as many as 36 allotment lands. President Nygren recognized the landowners whose cooperation helped move the project forward.
Navajo DOT worked with Wilson & Company and Dibble Engineering to develop the project’s Plans, Specifications and Estimate package. Totsoh Corporation, a Navajo Priority One contractor, was awarded the Phase I contract on Aug. 11, followed by a preconstruction conference at Houck Chapter on Aug. 25.
President Nygren recognized Council Delegate Arbin Mitchell, Rep. Myron Tsosie, Houck Chapter officials, community members, engineers, Totsoh Corporation and road crews for their work.
Construction is anticipated to begin in September 2026, with completion currently scheduled for Sept. 30, 2027.
