ADOT closes highways in White Mountains for winter
December 11, 2009
GLOBE – Drivers who travel through Arizona’s high country need to be aware of some annual road closures as the winter season begins.
In the White Mountains east of Hon Dah, the Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 261 between State Route 260 and Big Lake, State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake, and State Route 473 between SR 260 and Hawley Lake. ADOT closes these highways each winter and reopens them in the spring, usually by mid-May.
An ADOT Web site, “Before You Go . . . Know Snow in Arizona,” includes information-loaded maps of the regions that receive snow. The maps label highways with legends such as “daylight snow plowing only,” “no snow plowing during storm,” and “closed for the season after first snow fall.”
The Web site also includes key phone numbers for travelers, snow-removal information, weather terms, trip preparation, and driving tips.
Among the tips that ADOT offers:
- Slow Down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip
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Carry snow chains/cables in case highways are snow-packed and icy. Also be sure to pack a car emergency kit that includes a cell phone, blankets, food, water, a flashlight, a small shovel, and an ice scraper.
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Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and others. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or avoid upcoming hazards
- If stopped on the roadway, leave room for emergency vehicles to get around you
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Make sure your vehicle has plenty of gas and pack extra clothing for winter weather. If you slide off the roadway, stay with your vehicle. The Department of Public Safety or the Arizona Department of Transportation will respond.
- Check weather and road conditions before you leave. Dial 5-1-1 or log onto www.az511.gov for the latest information. Let someone know your route.
The maps, trips, and other snow-driving information is available at http://www.azdot.gov/knowsnow/index.asp
