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UPDATED - Some highways to close for winter season in high country

ADOT: Heavy snowfall could force earlier closures

  
November 14, 2012

PHOENIX —Motorists traveling through Arizona’s high country need to be aware of some annual road closures as the winter season begins, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A handful of state routes across the state are closed annually due to the significant amount of snowfall and most are reopened in the spring.

  • State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (31 miles) will close on Dec. 4.
  • State Route 473 to Hawley Lake is the first of three highways in the White Mountains that will shut down this winter, beginning on Thursday, Nov. 15.
  • State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Dec. 17.
  • State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake will close Dec. 17. The four-mile long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park will remain open to provide access to the ski area.
  • A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford will close on Thursday, Nov. 15. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.

Roads are subject to close earlier if heavy snowfall in the area occurs prior to the closure date.

Additional information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at www.azdot.gov/KnowSnow. The website also contains downloadable snow maps of snowplowing schedules and routes.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

Visit ADOT's Travel Information site at az511, call 5-1-1 within Arizona,or 1.888.411.ROAD outside the state for current information regarding road conditions statewide.

Visit us on facebook, twitter or sign up for ADOT email updates, including weekend freeway restrictions.

Please buckle up, observe speed limits, and never drink and drive.

For additional information contact:
 ADOT Media Relations (news@azdot.gov)
 or call 800.949.8057

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