HOLBROOK – A combination of high winds and blowing dust have again prompted the closure of Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has closed the highway from milepost 219 to milepost 252 due to near-zero visibility and high winds.
The westbound closure at milepost 252 is in Winslow and traffic is being diverted into the city. The eastbound closure at milepost 219 is at the Twin Arrows Interchange, where traffic is being turned around.
The National Weather Service is predicting strong gusting winds into the evening. Drivers should expect long delays and take alternative routes where possible.
Closures of I-40 can last hours due to the nature of the storms. In the past, similar conditions have been strong enough to cause high-profile vehicles to be blown over. Blowing dust has reduced visibility to near zero. With the ongoing storm, ADOT crews are closely monitoring conditions.
Drivers planning trips along I-40 today are urged to monitor travel conditions by calling 5-1-1 within Arizona, 1.888.411.ROAD outside the state, or via the Web at www.az511.gov. Because weather conditions can quickly evolve, drivers are encouraged to regularly check in with ADOT’s Traveler Information Service. Motorists should delay or detour travel plans if necessary.
ADOT, along with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on I-40 while maintaining driver safety. I-40 is a critical national corridor for commercial traffic and there are few other alternatives across Northern Arizona.
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