PHOENIX – With springtime here, three White Mountains-area state highways are scheduled to reopen Tuesday, April 15, after being closed for the winter, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

State Routes 261, 273 and 473 are scheduled to reopen by noon that day. 

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.

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

• Check your vehicle before you go; proper tire pressure is important.
• Get an adequate amount of sleep before your trip.
• Make sure you and your passengers are buckled in.
• Be patient (don’t speed and don’t follow other vehicles too closely).
• 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 511.

PHOENIX – As happens every winter because of heavy snow, the Arizona Department of Transportation will close State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake in the White Mountains on Thursday, Nov. 14. 

The highest reaches of State Route 366 (Swift Trail) ascending Mount Graham in southern Arizona will close on Friday, Nov. 15. This regular winter closure begins one-half mile past the Coronado National Forest’s Shannon Campground, at the end of the pavement.

State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park will close for the winter on Monday, Dec. 2. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May, along with visitor accommodations at the North Rim. US 89A will remain open at the junction with SR 67.

ADOT also has set December closure dates for these state highways in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, though snowfall could result in earlier closures:

• State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake: Sunday, Dec. 29
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake: Sunday, Dec. 29

Before heading out this winter, drivers should 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 has tips for traveling in areas with snow at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

PHOENIX – With warmer springtime temperatures taking hold, several high-elevation roadways are reopening this week after being closed for the winter, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

The highways scheduled to reopen Wednesday, April 17, are: 

• State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake in the White Mountains
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake in the White Mountains 
• State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake in the White Mountains 

ADOT closes these scenic roadways annually as part of the agency’s winter shutdown schedule due to the significant amounts of snowfall these parts of the state typically receive. 

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