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Some highways to close for winter season in high country

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

December 10, 2013

ADOT annually closes certain routes for the winter, including SR 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

If you’ve been following this blog over the past two winters, you know that ADOT annually shuts down a handful of state routes during the snowy winter months…

The closures are necessary because these roads are located in spots that get a significant amount of snowfall. ADOT closes the routes so it can best use its resources to keep more heavily traveled highways open all winter.

So, if your plans call for travel this winter, you’ll want to check out this year's closure list:

  • State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park closed earlier this month.
  • State Route 473 to Hawley Lake was the first of three highways in the White Mountains to shut down this winter. It was closed on Dec. 2.
  • State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
  • State Route 273 between Sunrise Park Resort and Big Lake will close Dec. 31. 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. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.

Of course, these are just planned closures. Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state.

You should also know that these routes are subject to close earlier if heavy snowfall in the area occurs prior to the scheduled closure date – another reason to check out az511.gov, before you head out.

Most of these routes will reopen in the early spring … we’ll be sure to keep you updated! Find additional information about winter driving on ADOT’s Know Snow Web page or by reading these previous posts.

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