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 ‒ The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for the winter season effective Tuesday, Dec. 1.

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.

In addition, State Route 473, a 10-mile-long highway that provides direct access to the Hawley Lake recreational area in the White Mountains region, is closed for the winter.

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

• Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.V
• Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, water and snacks.
• Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
• If stopped on the roadway, leave room for emergency vehicles to get around you.
• Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
• If you slide off the roadway, stay with your vehicle. The Department of Public Safety or ADOT will respond.
• 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.

PHOENIX — It’s an annual sign that winter is arriving in northern Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation will close State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park for the winter season on Tuesday, Dec. 1. 

The road could be closed earlier if heavy snowfall occurs in the area prior to the closure date.

ADOT does not clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since the visitor accommodations at the North Rim are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A will remain open at the junction with SR 67.

In addition, State Route 473, a 10-mile-long highway that provides direct access to the Hawley Lake recreational area in the White Mountains region, will close for the winter beginning on Thursday, Nov. 19.

In southern Arizona, a portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford was closed for the winter on Nov. 15.  The closure from the end of the paved highway to the turnoff to Shannon Campground, is located approximately 22 miles from the junction of SR 366 and US 191 at an elevation of 9,100 feet. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.

SR 473 and SR 366 will be reopened in the spring, along with other local highways that are closed annually during the winter. 

Additional information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at zdot.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.

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

PHOENIX — State Route 473, a 10-mile-long highway that provides direct access to the Hawley Lake recreational area in the White Mountains region, will close for the winter beginning on Thursday, Oct. 16, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The highway will close at the request of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, approximately one month earlier than its annual winter shutdown due to the significant amount of snowfall the region typically receives. Tribal authorities have asked ADOT to close the road while they drain Hawley Lake to make improvements to the lake’s dam. 

With the lowering water level in the lake and the construction going on at the dam, there were safety concerns for anyone wanting to use the recreational area.

SR 473 will be reopened in the spring, along with other local highways that are closed annually during the winter. 

To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.