ADOT set to reopen routes to White Mountains area lakes

PHOENIX – With another winter behind us, three White Mountains-area state highways leading to lakes are scheduled to reopen Monday, April 15, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

They are: State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake; State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake; and State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake.

State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail, which runs up Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, is scheduled to open on April 15 as well.

Another highway that closes for the winter, State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, is expected to reopen in mid-May.

Before heading off to enjoy the mountains, motorists should 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).