Arizona Department of Transportation

 With the National Weather Service forecasting additional monsoon storms in Arizona this afternoon and especially tonight (Monday, Aug. 16), drivers should exercise extreme caution and consider ways to avoid severe conditions on the state’s highways and roads. That includes delaying travel until severe weather has passed.

Arizona Department of Transportation has closed a section of US Route 191 beginning at 2:00pm Friday, July 23rd, and is expected to reopen on Sunday, July 25th at 8:00am.

Due to a combination of high intensity burn scars from the 2021 Bear Fire and the immediate forecast for heavy rains, ADOT is closing portions of US Route 191 to through traffic in the Rose Peak area between mileposts 204 and 207. Large debris flows and flooding in this area is possible and present dangerous conditions to travelers.

Updates are available on the ADOT Traveler Information page at az511.com.

With strong monsoon storms forecast in much of Arizona this week, be ready for wet roads, potential flooding and even additional dust storms across parts of the state.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says drivers should avoid travel in severe weather conditions if at all possible. Monsoon weather can produce thunderstorms with sudden, heavy rainfall. Keep these tips in mind:

Earning an instruction permit and a first driver license are definitely instagrammable moments for teen drivers.

The Arizona Department of Transportation doesn’t want those celebratory events to turn into a nightmare, and reminds freshly-minted drivers to keep their IDs hidden from potential identity thieves.

Some motorists upset with road closures due to multiple fires burning in Arizona are taking their frustrations out on ADOT personnel staffing the roadblocks. .

ADOT does not decide which roads to close.  Closures are determined by fire incident commanders who work in conjunction with law enforcement and ADOT, and motorists may face legal penalties for attempting to get around a barrier or other method used to shut down a road. 

As warm, dry weather settles into our state, the Arizona Department of Transportation is urging drivers to use extra care with their vehicles to reduce the chance of igniting a wildfire. 

Motorists should take preventative measures to reduce the risk that a spark from a vehicle or trailer doesn’t result in dry vegetation catching fire. A few tips include:

Dragging chains while something is being towed can cause sparks; Check and fasten the chains before starting your trip.

Make sure nothing is hanging under your vehicle or dragging on the pavement.