Travelers planning to navigate the stretch of State Route 288 north of Roosevelt Lake will need to map out alternate routes come mid-November. The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced that it will implement daytime closures on the highway to address repairs needed due to storm damage. According to ADOT, SR 288 will be closed from mileposts 271 to 276 on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
The department detailed that the closures were necessary for crews to excavate and replace a damaged culvert at milepost 273.8, which suffered under October's tempests. The affected segment of SR 288 begins roughly 12 miles north of where it intersects with SR 188. These repairs are not just a response to recent weather but are also part of ongoing efforts to mend the aftermath left by the Billy Fire.
Motorists looking to access the community of Young via SR 188 during the closure will encounter an estimated 2.5 hours added to their travel time due to a 120-mile detour. The prescribed alternative involves taking SR 188 west to SR 87, journeying north to Payson, continuing to SR 260, then heading east and finally turning south onto Young Road at milepost 284.7. The detour, while extensive, serves as the key connector between regions during the period of construction.
Though the construction is firmly scheduled, ADOT reminds travelers that such plans are contingent upon weather conditions and other variables. In a statement obtained by AZDOT, potential adjustments to the construction schedule will depend on these factors. Patrons should stay informed on the latest developments as the closure dates approach.
In related news, ADOT has been actively working on restoring fire-damaged fencing near Globe, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to infrastructure rehabilitation across the state. These initiatives aim to enhance the safety and reliability of roadways for all Arizona travelers.
