Certain highways to close for winter in Arizona high country
Nov 25, 2013, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am
Every year, certain roads close in Arizona’s high country, however, there is the potential for certain road closures to happen earlier this year, if heavier snowfall occurs.
As of Monday, the Arizona Department of Transportation has given a list of expected closure dates. Most state routes will reopen by early spring 2014.
• State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is expected to close on Monday, Dec. 2.
• State Route 473 to Hawley Lake is the first of three highways in the White Mountains that will shut down this winter, beginning on Dec. 2.
• State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park Resort and Big Lake will close Dec. 31. The four-mile-long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park Resort will remain open to provide access to the ski area.
• A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford was closed for the winter on Nov. 15. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.
Drivers are encouraged to dial 5-1-1 or log on to the ADOT Traveler Information Center before hitting the road. ADOT has also set up a “Know Snow” website to help motorists prepare themselves and their cars for snowy or icy conditions.
