ADOT reopens highways in White Mountains after winter closures

PHOENIX – With springtime upon us, the Arizona Department of Transportation reopened three White Mountains-area state highways Thursday, April 15, after being closed for the winter.

State Route 261 runs from State Route 260 near Eagar to Big Lake, while State Route 273 goes from SR 260 to Sunrise Park and Big Lake.

State Route 473, runs south from SR 260 on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, to Hawley Lake.

State Route 366, which leads up Mount Graham near Safford, also reopened on April 15. However, ADOT is still in the middle of a roadway repair project and drivers should continue to expect delays on SR 366 as work continues. The project is to repair damage caused during the 2017 Frye Fire on Mount Graham.

Another highway that closes for the winter, State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, is scheduled to reopen with park facilities in mid-May.

When traveling this year, please remember to do the following:

• Make sure all occupants in a vehicle are buckled in.
• Check tire pressure, fluids and more to make sure a vehicle is in proper running condition.
• Be patient, including not following other vehicles too closely and building in extra travel time.
• Get enough sleep before the trip.
• Bring extra water and food.
• Never drink and drive.
• Check for information about highway restrictions and more by visiting az511.gov, calling 511 or following ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).