Tag Archives: State Route 473

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon to close for winter Monday

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PHOENIX – State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is scheduled to close for the winter season on Monday, December 3.

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.

State routes 261, 273 and 473 leading to lakes in the White Mountains region will also close for the winter on December 31. The highways could close earlier depending on weather.

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 cellphone, 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.

State Route 473 to Hawley Lake closing for the winter

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PHOENIX ‒ State Route 473 leading to Hawley Lake in the White Mountains will close for the winter on Thursday, November 16, at its junction with State Route 260, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The 10-mile-long highway east of Pinetop-Lakeside will remain closed until at least April 15.

Other high-country state highways that will close over the next six weeks include SR 67 leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. That route, traveling 43 miles south from US 89A, will close Friday, December 1, unless a major snowstorm occurs before then.

With park facilities closed for the winter, ADOT doesn’t plow SR 67, which will be blocked about a half mile south of US 89A at Jacob Lake. It’s scheduled to reopen in mid-May along with North Rim lodges, campgrounds and other amenities.

State Route 64 remains open all year to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

Other winter closures include State Route 273 past Sunrise Park and State Route 261 west of Eagar, which are scheduled for Thursday, December 28, unless a severe storm happens sooner.

In southeastern Arizona, the upper, unpaved portion of SR 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford has already closed for winter. Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on SR 366 past a locked gate a half mile past the Coronado National Forest’s Shannon Campground, but hikers, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers can still use the area.

State routes 366, 273 and 262 will reopen in the spring.

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

State Route 473 to Hawley Lake to reopen in the White Mountains

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is reopening State Route 473 to Hawley Lake tomorrow.

The highway was closed at the request of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in 2014 so repairs could be made to the lakes dam. Anyone wishing to use the Hawley Lake recreational area should first check with the tribe to make sure the lake and campgrounds are open.

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