PHOENIX – With springtime upon us, the Arizona Department of Transportation reopened three White Mountains-area state highways Thursday, April 15, after being closed for the winter.

State Route 261 runs from State Route 260 near Eagar to Big Lake, while State Route 273 goes from SR 260 to Sunrise Park and Big Lake.

State Route 473, runs south from SR 260 on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, to Hawley Lake.

State Route 366, which leads up Mount Graham near Safford, also reopened on April 15. 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. The project is to repair damage caused during the 2017 Frye Fire on Mount Graham.

Another highway that closes for the winter, State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, is scheduled to reopen with park facilities in mid-May.

When traveling this year, please remember to 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).

PHOENIX – With the winter months rapidly approaching, the Arizona Department of Transportation will close State Route 473 in the White Mountains area and State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail, heading up Mount Graham in southern Arizona for the winter on Monday. Nov. 16.

State Route 67 leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon will close on Dec. 1, while other White Mountains area highways such as state route 261 and 273 will close by Dec. 31. These highways could close sooner depending on the weather.

ADOT closes these highways annually as part of the agency’s winter shutdown schedule due to significant amounts of snowfall these regions typically receive.

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 mobile device, 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.

PHOENIX – With springtime and warmer weather here, two White Mountains-area state highways reopened Wednesday, April 15, after being closed for the winter, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

State Route 261 runs from State Route 260 near Eagar to Big Lake, while State Route 273 goes from SR 260 to Sunrise Park and Big Lake.

State Route 473, running south from SR 260 on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, remains closed with Hawley Lake and the surrounding area closed to recreational use for the time being.

Another highway that closes for the winter, State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, is scheduled to reopen with park facilities in mid-May.

PHOENIX – State routes 261 and 273 in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona will close for the winter on Tuesday, Jan. 2, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. They are among a handful of routes across the state that close for the winter and reopen in the spring.

• State Route 261 will close between milepost 404.9, several miles south of State Route 260, and the SR 273 junction at Crescent Lake.
• State Route 273 will close between Sunrise Park and Big Lake. The 4-mile portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park remains open to provide access to the ski area.

Three other highways have already closed for the winter.

• State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.
• State Route 473 to Hawley Lake in the White Mountains.
• A portion of State Route 366 that leads up Mount Graham near Safford.

Tips on winter driving are available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

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.

PHOENIX – After a long winter’s nap, three state highways to lakes in the White Mountains are scheduled to reopen Thursday, 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.

Another highway that closes for the winter, State Route 67, leading to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, is anticipated 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).

PHOENIX – State routes 261 and 273 in Arizona’s high country will close for the winter at noon today in anticipation of a storm that will bring significant snowfall to parts of the state, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The roads are among a handful of routes across the state that close annually for the winter and reopen when conditions improve in the spring.

• State Route 261 will close between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction.
• State Route 273 will close between Sunrise Park and Big Lake. The four-mile long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park will remain open to provide access to the ski area.

Three other highways have already closed for the winter.

• State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.
• State Route 473 to Hawley Lake in the White Mountains.
• A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford.

Tips on winter driving are available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Drivers can 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 feed (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (/AZDOT) are excellent sources of information and interaction on traffic conditions around the state.

For more information about ADOT, visit azdot.gov.

PHOENIX – Traveling to the White Mountains, a popular summer destination for Phoenix residents and fishing enthusiasts, will get a little easier as two highways that were partially closed during the winter season will reopen on Wednesday, April 1, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The following highways in Apache County will reopen on April 1:

• State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake

State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake, which is also generally closed during the winter, will remain closed until the White Mountain Apache Tribe completes repairs on the Hawley Lake Dam. 

There is currently no estimated time when SR 473 or Hawley Lake will be reopened.

ADOT encourages Arizonans to enjoy the mountains this summer and return home safely by observing the following tips:

• Make sure you and your passengers are buckled in
• Check your vehicle’s condition before you travel; proper tire pressure is important
• Be patient (don’t speed and don’t follow other vehicles too closely)
• Get an adequate amount of sleep before your trip
• Bring extra water and food
• Build some extra travel time into your schedule
• Never drink and drive

Before you leave, check for information about highway restrictions across Arizona at ADOT’s Traveler Information website, az511.gov, or dial 5-1-1