The Arizona Department of Transportation reopened State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon this evening on Friday, March 7, after winter travel conditions subsided and snow plows were able to clear the roadway of snow.

Continue to drive with caution.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Arizona Department of Transportation closed State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon from milepost 375, at Midgley Bridge, to milepost 395, at the top of the switchbacks, due to the winter snowstorm due to multiple vehicle slide-offs related to winter weather conditions and heavy snowfall. A notice was issued at 12:37 p.m. on Friday, March 7.

An ADOT employee is turning around northbound traffic at Owenby Way at the north end of Uptown.

Heavy snowfall in the area is making travel difficult and ADOT encourages motorists to delay travel plans until the winter storm passes. If conditions deteriorate, other highways may become impassable and be closed for public safety.

Drivers should avoid traveling in these winter storm conditions that could result in highways becoming impassable for long periods of time. Those who choose to travel should be prepared to spend extended time on the road in winter conditions. Tracking the forecast from the National Weather Service and packing an emergency travel kit before traveling are among ADOT’s safety recommendations. A full list of items to pack in a winter emergency kit is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

ADOT snowplows are working around-the-clock in affected areas. Motorists are reminded not to tailgate a snowplow – leave four car-lengths between the snowplow and your vehicle – and do not pass a snowplow. Let the snowplow clear the roadway of snow and ice, allowing for safer travel for everyone.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the AZ511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.