FLAGSTAFF – It’s an annual sign that winter has arrived 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 for the winter season on Nov. 28. 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.

ADOT reminds motorists to drive with caution this winter and offers these tips:

Slow Down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip.

Carry snow chains/cables in case highways are snow-packed and icy. Also be sure to pack a car safety kit that includes a cell phone.

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. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel and pack extra clothing, water, and snacks. 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 leave. Let someone know your route.

For more information about this closure, please contact Senior Community Relations Officer Mackenzie Kirby at 928.779.7554 or mkirby@azdot.gov.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is reconstructing the bridges and ramps on Interstate 17 at Munds Park, 20 miles south of Flagstaff. ADOT will close Pinewood Boulevard, which crosses under I-17, from 6 a.m. Monday (Nov. 14) to 6 p.m. Tuesday (Nov 15). The closure will provide a safe work zone for crews as they install pipes under the new northbound bridge.

Motorists who wish to cross I-17 from east to west will be detoured north on I-17 to Willard Springs Road, where they will be directed to exit and re-enter the highway heading south to Pinewood Blvd. Motorists who wish to cross I-17 from west to east will be detoured south to Schnebly Hill Road, where they will be directed to exit and re-enter the highway heading north to Pinewood Blvd.

The speed limit will be reduced through the work zone. Drivers are reminded to slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

For more information about this closure, please contact Senior Community Relations Officer Mackenzie Kirby at 928.779.7554 or mkirby@azdot.gov.

What to expect:

Thursday, Nov. 3 northbound right lane closure 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 6 northbound right lane closure 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 7 northbound left lane closure 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

southbound left lane closure 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

In addition to the lane closures on I-17, the right lane of State Route 69 approaching I-17 will be closed for the remainder of the year as crews work on the new on-ramp.

The restrictions will provide a safe work zone for crews that are working to reconstruct the traffic interchange at Cordes Junction.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, be alert for construction equipment and personnel, and comply with the reduced speed limit (55 mph) through the work zone.

For more information visit http://www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Tricia Lewis, Prescott District Senior Community Relations Officer, at 928.606.2420.