Road Closure

Spring has sprung, which means you can again travel these roads

Spring has sprung, which means you can again travel these roads

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Spring has sprung, which means you can again travel these roads

Spring has sprung, which means you can again travel these roads

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
April 15, 2021

Snow melting. Flowers growing. The swallows returning to Capistrano. All signs of spring finally returning after months of winter. 

In the world of transportation, there is another unmistakable sign that warmer weather is here to stay: The annual reopening of state highways in northern Arizona.

Starting today several state highways leading to popular outdoor destinations have reopened including:

  • State Route 261 between Eager and Big Lake in the White Mountains
  • State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake in the White Mountains (that's the highway in the photo to the right, taken last year)
  • State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake in the White Mountains.

In addition, State Route 366, known as Swift Trail, has reopened above Shannon Campground on Mount Graham. 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.

And once spring is fully in swing, State Route 67, leading from Jacob Lake to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon will reopen. That is currently scheduled for mid-May. That's the highway in the bottom right photo, which was also taken last year.

These highways are closed in the winter months due to the significant levels of snowfall each receives. The closures also allow ADOT to best use its resources keeping more heavily traveled highways open.

To reopen state highways after a long winter's nap involves a fair amount of spring cleaning. And by spring cleaning we mean using heavy-duty snowblowers to clear the road for eager motorists. 

We welcome everyone to take a drive through high country again, but remind you to continue to be safe. If you are heading out, take normal precautions such as:

  • 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).

You can find these and more summer trip safety tips in a recent blog post. 

Rockfall closes SR 88 near Roosevelt Lake

Rockfall closes SR 88 near Roosevelt Lake

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Rockfall closes SR 88 near Roosevelt Lake

Rockfall closes SR 88 near Roosevelt Lake

March 27, 2020

Slide closes SR 88 near Roosevelt Lake

PHOENIX –  Rockfall has closed State Route 88 just west of State Route 188, blocking access between Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The closure is at milepost 242, which is 2 miles west of Roosevelt.

There is no estimated reopening time; however, this is expected to be an extended closure while crews remove earth and rocks.

In addition, an unpaved section of SR 88 remains closed indefinitely between the Fish Hill Creek overlook at milepost 229 and the Apache Lake Marina turnoff near milepost 222 due to extensive damage that occurred last year from flooding out of the Woodbury Fire burn scar.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

SR 67 to Grand Canyon North Rim closing for winter Tuesday, Nov. 26

SR 67 to Grand Canyon North Rim closing for winter Tuesday, Nov. 26

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 67 to Grand Canyon North Rim closing for winter Tuesday, Nov. 26

SR 67 to Grand Canyon North Rim closing for winter Tuesday, Nov. 26

November 26, 2019

PHOENIX – Because of the incoming winter storm, the Arizona Department of Transportation is closing State Route 67 to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

During the winter, ADOT closes and doesn’t clear snow from SR 67, a 43-mile highway between US 89A at Jacob Lake and the park, since North Rim visitor accommodations are shut down. After closing on Dec. 1 – or earlier when weather warrants, as in this case – SR 67 reopens each spring, usually around mid-May.

US 89A remains open during the winter, as do the Grand Canyon National Park facilities at the South Rim.

Meanwhile, State Route 473 leading from State Route 260 to lakes in the White Mountains will close for the winter Wednesday, Nov. 27, due to the incoming storm. State routes 261 and 273, also in the White Mountains, are scheduled to close no later than Dec. 31.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

  • Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
  • Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.
  • Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.
  • Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
  • Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
  • Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
  • Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out, be sure to call 511 or visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway.

Honeycutt Road restriction at SR 347 will allow for Maricopa overpass work

Honeycutt Road restriction at SR 347 will allow for Maricopa overpass work

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Honeycutt Road restriction at SR 347 will allow for Maricopa overpass work

Honeycutt Road restriction at SR 347 will allow for Maricopa overpass work

December 4, 2018

Honeycutt Road immediately east of State Route 347 in Maricopa will close for several months

PHOENIX ‒ Honeycutt Road immediately east of State Route 347 in Maricopa will close for several months to allow work to continue on an overpass spanning the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

During the closure, which is scheduled to begin Thursday, Dec. 6, just north of Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, Arizona Department of Transportation crews will add new sidewalk, curbs and gutters to the south side of Honeycutt Road. They also will begin rebuilding a segment of Honeycutt Road that will connect with a realigned section of SR 347 once the overpass is built.

Drivers will be able to access Honeycutt Road from Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway and Plainview Street, which was recently built just west of the Maricopa Unified School District offices.

There will be no impact on SR 347, the primary north-south road in the community. Honeycutt Road will remain open except for the short distance between Pershing Street and SR 347. Access will be maintained to all businesses along Honeycutt Road.

The restriction is expected to remain in place until summer 2019.

The new overpass will carry SR 347 over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. The $55 million project will improve traffic flow and driver safety by eliminating the need for drivers to cross the railroad tracks and ending the need for drivers to wait for trains more than 40 times a day. Completion is scheduled for late 2019.

The new alignment of SR 347 will veer to the east just north of Alterra Parkway and reconnect with the current alignment south of Hathaway Road. The current alignment of SR 347 will see the addition of three cul-de-sacs: north and south of the railroad tracks, and just north of Alterra Parkway. Honeycutt Avenue near Maricopa High School will be extended to connect with the new alignment of SR 347.

Photo courtesy of EPS Group.

State Route 473 leading to Hawley Lake closing for winter

State Route 473 leading to Hawley Lake closing for winter

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 473 leading to Hawley Lake closing for winter

State Route 473 leading to Hawley Lake closing for winter

November 28, 2018

PHOENIX – Due to the forecast calling for snow, ADOT will be closing the highway leading to Hawley Lake for the winter on Thursday, Nov. 29.

SR 473, along with state routes 261 and 273 in the White Mountains, normally closes on Dec. 31, but weather can prompt an earlier closure.

State Route 67, the highway that leads to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, is scheduled to close for the winter on Monday, Dec. 3. ADOT doesn’t clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since North Rim visitor accommodations are closed. US 89A remains open during the winter.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

  • Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
  • Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.
  • Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.
  • Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
  • Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
  • Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
  • Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway. 

 

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon to close for winter Monday, Dec. 3

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon to close for winter Monday, Dec. 3

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon to close for winter Monday, Dec. 3

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon to close for winter Monday, Dec. 3

November 26, 2018

PHOENIX – State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is scheduled to close for the winter season on Monday, Dec. 3. 

ADOT doesn’t clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since North Rim visitor accommodations are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A remains open during the winter.

State routes 261, 273 and 473 leading to lakes in the White Mountains region will also close for the winter on Dec. 31. The highways could close earlier depending on weather.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

  • Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
  • Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.
  • Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.
  • Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
  • Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
  • Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
  • Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out, drivers should call 511 or visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features camera images along state highways that provide a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway. 

Traffic shifting to temporary surface in I-10 South Mountain Freeway work zone

Traffic shifting to temporary surface in I-10 South Mountain Freeway work zone

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Traffic shifting to temporary surface in I-10 South Mountain Freeway work zone

Traffic shifting to temporary surface in I-10 South Mountain Freeway work zone

November 2, 2018

PHOENIX – As construction advances on a Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway interchange in west Phoenix, motorists traveling through the Interstate 10 work zone will begin using lanes with a temporary concrete surface.

A closure of westbound I-10 between 43rd and 67th avenues, scheduled from 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5, will allow crews to shift travel lanes to the outside, or right side, of the freeway so construction can begin in the center median. The same will occur for eastbound I-10 lanes after a closure set for the weekend of Nov. 16-18.

Crews will mill off the top inch of rubberized asphalt in this stretch to ensure a consistent surface when motorists transition between the temporary travel lanes, some of which are newly paved with the concrete surface and others milled to be at the same level. The temporary surface won’t be as smooth as one with rubberized asphalt, and milled stretches will have dark areas where rubberized asphalt has been removed.

The temporary alignment will have new striping as well as raised pavement markings. For safety, motorists should continue leaving themselves plenty of following distance and heed the reduced 55 mph speed limit in this construction zone.

The entire length of the I-10 work zone, a 4.5-mile stretch between 43rd and 75th avenues, is slated to receive a layer of rubberized asphalt in fall 2019.

The next phase of construction in this stretch includes excavation, earthwork and paving in the I-10 median, along with building the bridge structures for the HOV connection flyover ramps for the new I-10/Loop 202 interchange near 59th Avenue.

The 22-mile South Mountain Freeway, expected to open as early as late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to I-10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or call 511.

Clearing the roadway after a major crash

Clearing the roadway after a major crash

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Clearing the roadway after a major crash

Clearing the roadway after a major crash

August 24, 2012

We’ve all been there...

Sitting in traffic, moving slowly and wondering if we’ll ever get past the incident that’s causing the delay.

Thousands of motorists experienced that scenario yesterday during a busier-than-usual morning rush hour.

One particularly bad area was on eastbound I-10 south of downtown Phoenix due to a 2 a.m. produce truck crash.

Maybe you’d agree that one of the most frustrating aspects of a traffic jam is the not knowing...

Not knowing how many cars are ahead. Not knowing what happened. Not knowing why it’s taking so long to clear up.

While we can’t answer those first questions for you, we can shed a little light on some of the work that goes on at the scene of a major crash. Of course every response varies, depending on the circumstances – severity of the crash and injuries, number of vehicles involved and even the weather – but this video gives a good glimpse of the comprehensive efforts taken by ADOT and our partner agencies to clear the roadway and make it safe for drivers as quickly as possible.

ADOT Public Information Officer Tim Tait sums up the impact of yesterday’s crash...

“More than 260,000 vehicles a day travel through this point on I-10 each morning, which is a tremendous volume of traffic and that was all impacted this morning by this crash,” Tait says. “Once the immediate scene is cleaned up, ADOT’s job isn’t done. We’ll have to replace the barrier that was damaged and we’ll have other work to do to make sure that the roadway is returned to a safe condition after this crash.”

For more on the role ADOT plays after a crash, take a look at these blog posts and videos from last year (find them here and here).

ADOT reopens routes for summer

ADOT reopens routes for summer

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ADOT reopens routes for summer

ADOT reopens routes for summer

May 18, 2012

Warmer weather means many roads shut down for the winter are reopening. Just this week, ADOT reopened SR 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Hard to believe, but just two months ago it was still technically winter…

Since then, temperatures around the state have warmed up and we're officially headed toward summer. Besides the hotter temps, this time of year also brings about the reopening of roads, routes and highways closed by ADOT for the winter.

You might remember this blog post from November. In it we told you that some of Arizona’s state routes are shut down annually in wintertime because they’re in areas where HEAVY snowfall is common. These are routes that typically see light amounts of traffic – so it makes sense for ADOT to use its resources to keep more heavily traveled highways open.

Now that spring is officially here (and summer is on its way), we just wanted to remind you that several routes have been reopened for the hotter months ahead.

Last month ADOT reopened these highways in the White Mountains:

  • State Route 261 between Eager and Big Lake
  • State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake
  • State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake

Just earlier this week on May 15, ADOT reopened State Route 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. SR 67 is the lone road linking US 89A at Jacob Lake to the North Rim.

Besides allowing for ADOT to safely reopen the roads listed above, the warmer weather has also spurred a start on projects that had gone dormant in the winter.

We blogged back in December that ADOT suspends work on certain projects each winter. This is necessary because it’s too cold in some areas to pour concrete or place asphalt pavement. Crews stop work at a logical point and the work zone is generally left in a condition that doesn’t impede traffic, though you may have noticed some barricades in these areas.

Of all the projects put on hold (they’re listed here), work has resumed on each of them, with the exception of the SR 260 passing lanes and the US 60 paving project – those will start up again at the beginning of June.

The high country and its ideal summertime weather might start calling you soon, but before you head out on the road we encourage you to always drive safely and remember, before a big trip, you should always check for information about highway restrictions across the state at www.az511.gov or by calling 511.

A sight to see: 200 horses take to the road in downtown Wickenburg

A sight to see: 200 horses take to the road in downtown Wickenburg

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A sight to see: 200 horses take to the road in downtown Wickenburg

A sight to see: 200 horses take to the road in downtown Wickenburg

April 20, 2012

When more than 200 horses and their riders want to cross the freeway, it’s smart to move out of their way!

It also is a good reason to close the road to vehicle traffic, which is what happened twice this week when US 60 and US 93 were shut down briefly at the south roundabout in downtown Wickenburg.

The closures were put in place and enforced by the town’s police department, allowing participants of the 66th annual Desert Caballeros trail ride to safely cross from US 60 to the Hassayampa Bridge and then on into the mountains for a week-long ride.

It’s not everyday that you see this many horses walking on the road, but the ride is a long-standing tradition that, according to the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, draws riders from across the United States, Mexico, Canada and England!

Where did all the horses go?
The itinerary shows that riders took off from Wickenburg’s historic downtown at about noon on Monday and headed to Boyd Ranch near Box Canyon for the first night’s camp. From there, they rode to Cooper Ranch near Wagoner and, after a day of equestrian activities, camped Thursday at Sayers Station before returning to Wickenburg earlier this afternoon.

You certainly don’t have to be a cowboy to appreciate the sight of a couple hundred horses taking to the road ... so, watch the video above and enjoy!