June 16: ADOT update on roads

US 180 partially reopened in eastern Arizona near Nutrioso

Other highways still remain closed due to Wallow Fire; drivers urged to be cautious

                                                                                    

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation reopened a 16-mile stretch of US 180 today between Springerville and Nutrioso (mileposts 403-419), allowing residents in the area to return to their homes in eastern Arizona after they were forced to evacuate due to the Wallow Fire. The road still remains closed between Nutrioso and the New Mexico state line (mileposts 419-433).

 

Although the highway is now open, ADOT urges drivers to be cautious as efforts continue to bring the fire under control. ADOT is working with fire officials and state emergency managers to ensure the safety of the traveling public and is assisting with traffic control.

 

In all, approximately 165 miles of state highways are still closed due to several major wildfires burning across Arizona or due to the threat of wildfires. ADOT reminds the traveling public that the following closures on state highways remain in effect:

 

• US 180 is closed between Nutrioso and the New Mexico state line (mileposts 419-433).
• US 191 is closed between Alpine and north of Clifton (milepost 176-253).
• State Routes 261 (mileposts 395-413) and 273 (mileposts 378-394), the main access roads to Big Lake and Crescent Lake in the White Mountains, are closed.
• SR 373 that connects the town of Greer with SR 260 west of Eagar is closed (mileposts 386-391).
• In southern Arizona, SR 92 is closed between Hereford Road and Palominas Road (mileposts 329-340) due to the Monument Fire southeast of Sierra Vista. Hereford and Palominas connect for a detour route.  
• SR 366 is closed at milepost 118 leading up to Mount Graham (milepost 143) near Safford after the U.S. Forest Service determined the risk of wildfire is too extreme to allow access