Arizona Department of Transportation

Drivers heading north to Payson, Mogollon Rim and White Mountains for the holiday weekend should budget extra time and consider alternate routes with 13 miles of State Route 87 still limited to one lane while crews repair guardrail and fencing damaged by the Bush Fire. 

ADOT is working to secure federal emergency relief funds to cover the $3.9 million cost of repairing guardrail and the right-of-way fence along northbound SR 87, as well as damage along State Route 188. The damaged SR 87 stretch with the right lane closed is between mileposts 223 and 236, approaching SR 188.

Update 1:35 p.m. State Route 87 has reopened in both directions between Payson and the Valley after an extended closure prompted by the Bush Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

One northbound lane of SR 87 remains closed between mileposts 223 and 236, near the junction with State Route 188, for use by firefighters and for repairs. Please budget extra time and drive with patience.

Visibility detectors. A weather radar system. Variable speed limit signs. Closed-circuit cameras. Overhead message boards.

These technologies clustered along 10 miles of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson are now operating as an innovative dust detection and warning system that’s ready to quickly tell drivers to slow down for safety when windblown dust reduces visibility.

Over the weekend, State Route 87 was closed for a couple of hours south of Payson when a brush fire caused by a person broke out along the roadway. While the exact cause isn’t known yet, the 5.5-acre Oak Fire demonstrates why motorists should secure tow chains, properly inflate tires, check brakes and take other steps to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire. 

Just one spark can cause all kinds of problems.

In addition to putting lives and property at risk, fires that spread quickly in dry brush can lead to highway closures and inconvenience for motorists. 

This week’s winter storms will likely have many desert dwellers heading to the high country to toss snowballs, make snow angels, sled, etc., etc. Have a great time if you’re among them, but leave prepared to spend extended time in frigid conditions and pack a fully charged cellphone and other safety essentials.  

State Route 260 is closed at milepost 256 east of Payson, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

The closure is due to severe winter weather conditions. There is no estimated reopening time.

Recent wet weather has created potentially hazardous driving conditions on many Kaibab National Forest roads, and motorists are urged to plan ahead and exercise caution when visiting.

While Kaibab National Forest roads remain open, motorists should be aware that they could encounter a range of conditions and should prepare accordingly. On the Williams and Tusayan districts of the forest south of the Grand Canyon, rain received yesterday on top of already melting snow from last week's storm has caused roads to become slushy, icy, and, in some cases, temporarily impassable.

The U.S.

With merciless temperatures forecast over the coming days, be sure you and your vehicle are prepared before traveling on highways in the Arizona desert.

Motorists should always be ready for the possibility of becoming stranded, but that need is even more critical in extreme heat.

Be a safe driver during Arizona's summer travel season. Check your vehicle, including tire pressure, ahead of your trip. Be patient, obey speed limits, buckle up and never drive while impaired. Arrange for a designated driver or ride service. Be prepared for unscheduled closures or delays by packing extra water, snack foods and a kit with other emergency supplies, including a flashlight, prescription medications and fully charged cell phone.