Know Snow

Winter means snow in the high country and ADOT is prepared to keep highways clear of snow and ice.

PHOENIX – One of the great things about Arizona winters is being able to savor a refreshingly mild morning in our desert communities and then play in the snow that same afternoon.

PHOENIX – With winter and the promise of snow in the high country rapidly approaching, preparation throughout the year means the Arizona Department of Transportation is ready to keep highways open and travelers safe.

Through its certification and training programs, ADOT has 400 certified snowplow operators ready for winter storms.

Regular maintenance by ADOT Equipment Services has the agency’s 200 snowplows ready to go. Last winter, ADOT spent $2.2 million, an average of $11,000 per vehicle, to keep its snowplows in top condition.

PHOENIX – Three routes to lakes in the White Mountains have reopened after winter closures, 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.

Before heading off to enjoy the mountains, motorists should do the following:

Hard as it may be to believe, this is still a season for snow in Arizona. Because of that ADOT has snowplow drivers at the ready, including drivers of our new TowPlow.

When Arizona’s latest winter storm hit Sunday evening, ADOT crews went into high gear.

PHOENIX – An innovative new snowplow is allowing the Arizona Department of Transportation to remove snow and ice more efficiently by having one driver clear the width of two lanes.

The first TowPlow to join ADOT’s fleet of 200 traditional snowplows is assigned to 20 miles of Interstate 40 between Williams and Bellemont west of Flagstaff. The device saw its first use during this week’s snowstorm.

PHOENIX – Warm clothing and blankets? Check.

Plenty of gas in the tank, fully charged cellphone, drinking water? Check, check, check.

Please add this to your safety checklist when heading to play in the snow: Don’t park along highways. Use only designated parking areas.

Highway shoulders are for emergencies, and parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in several ways:

PHOENIX – Recent snowstorms combined with the long holiday weekend means winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are expected to see heavy traffic, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

We found a photograph in our archives that's an excellent throwback/reminder for travelers who are facing the winter storm.

PHOENIX – With back-to-back winter storms packing rain and snow, the Arizona Department of Transportation offers drivers real-time information on highways.

AZ511.gov has the latest on conditions, restrictions and closures, as well as roadside camera images from around the state. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) helps drivers choose routes and decide if they should delay trips due to weather.

Another option: Call 511 before heading out the door.

PHOENIX ‒ Every winter, snowplows play an essential public safety role by clearing snow and ice on Arizona roadways. But when motorists fail to give plows enough room and aren’t careful when traveling near these oversized vehicles, it creates a hazard and makes it more difficult for operators to perform what’s already a challenging job.

Holiday weekends see heavy traffic through Flagstaff to and from snow-play areas along US 180. We have some suggestions to make your trip to this area a little easier.

The holiday travel season is officially here and it’s sure to be a busy one.

If you're driving toward the snow, ADOT wants you to prepare for potentially harsh conditions.

Do you Know Snow? Check out today's video and discover something new about ADOT’s winter operations.

ADOT crews are prepared for the snowy, icy months ahead and we want to make sure you are too.

We’re wrapping up the week with a new video that shows off some winter driving season stats.

Our new infographic outlines many important facts about snowplows and ADOT's winter operations.

As the first significant winter storm rolls into the state this weekend, ADOT is ready to respond to keep motorists safe while clearing snow and ice from highways.