I-17 101 traffic interchange

Some state highways closing for winter in the high country

Some state highways closing for winter in the high country

December 29, 2014

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 for the winter due to significant snowfall. The routes are reopened in the spring.

  • State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park was closed Dec. 1.
  • State Route 473 to Hawley Lake was closed Oct. 16 for draining of the lake and dam repairs. It will remain closed for the winter.
  • State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
  • State Route 273 between Sunrise Park Resort and Big Lake will close Dec. 30. The four-mile-long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park Resort will remain open to provide access to the ski area.
  • A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford was closed for the winter on Nov. 15. The closure is just beyond the turnoff to the Shannon Campground. ADOT may need to close more of the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.

Additional information for motorists during the winter season can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” webpage.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at 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.