PHOENIX
– ADOT has nearly 200 snowplows and 400 certified
drivers stationed around the state to address snow and ice. But as Christmas
weekend showed, especially on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff west to Ash Fork and
on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff, a snowstorm can be so intense that travel
becomes unsafe quickly.
This is why drivers should monitor conditions before leaving and be prepared to
delay travel until snowplows can do their work. A few inches of snow fell per
hour at the height of last weekend’s storm, causing crashes and slide-offs and
resulting in long closures because of the time required to get vehicles cleared
and lanes open again.
With another storm forecast for New Year's weekend, recent experience
reinforces the value of waiting until roads are plowed and ready for
traffic. If there's any question about whether it's a good idea to go,
you'd probably do well to wait.
Because snowstorms can result in sudden closures sometimes lasting for hours,
ADOT offers tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow that include packing an emergency kit with blankets,
warm clothing, snacks and water, having a charged cellphone and keeping your
gas tank half to three-quarters full at all times. But the safest option when
snow is falling is not being on road unless it's absolutely necessary.
In addition to watching National
Weather Service forecasts for the area where
you're planning to travel, be sure to check az511.gov or call
511 for the latest road conditions. ADOT's Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT)
is a good source of information and interaction.
When highways are plowed and ready for traffic, many drivers may be heading
uphill to play in the snow. If you're among them, be sure to leave prepared,
as New Year's usually is an especially busy weekend at snow-play areas,
especially along US 180 outside of Flagstaff, resulting in long lines of
traffic at day's end.
Those heading to snow-play sites along US 180 may want to consider making an
earlier start home, as on busy days traffic builds toward Flagstaff throughout
the afternoon. When they reach Flagstaff, drivers taking Interstate 17 south
can save time by following a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler
Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Road and Route 66, and then heading west to I-17. A
map of this route, as well as locations of snow-play sites, is available
at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snow Play link).
Travelers also should resist the temptation to stop on highway
shoulders to play in the snow, in part because plows throw snow and ice far
from the roadway. In addition, other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle
and first responders may need to use the shoulder. Exit highways and park in
designated areas.
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