PHOENIX – With light snow in the forecast
heading into a long weekend, winter recreation areas along US 180 near
Flagstaff are likely to attract heavy traffic that leads to delays.
Those planning to visit snow-play areas
along US 180 over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend should leave prepared
to spend extended time in winter weather – and to face traffic backlogs getting
back to Flagstaff that increase as the day goes on.
They also should prepare for the trip by
researching the locations of snow-play areas and whether those areas have
enough snow to be open. The Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau lists
snow-play locations at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter
Snowplay link) and offers a hotline at 844-256-SNOW with the latest snow
conditions.
Don’t park along highways or interstates to
play in the snow. That’s dangerous for you, other drivers and first responders.
It also can exacerbate traffic congestion on US 180.
Once they get to Flagstaff on their trips
home, those heading to points south at day’s end can save time getting to
Interstate 17 by taking a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler
Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Drive and Route 66, then heading west to I-17.
Motorists traveling to Arizona’s high
country should allow extra travel time with snow in the forecast and prepare as
they would for any extended period in cold weather. That includes taking winter
coats, blankets, a fully charged cellphone and portable charger, plenty of
fuel, drinking water, snacks and medications. ADOT offers more tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
Give snowplows a wide berth, staying four
car lengths behind. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road.
ADOT’s Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook (facebook.com/AZDOT) accounts are excellent sources of
information on traffic conditions, as is the ADOT Traveler Information Center
available at az511.gov or by calling 511.
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