Shirley Ramaley | Big Lake
Looks like it’s Road Construction Week on the Arizona Highways blog. Yesterday, we told you about upcoming repairs to U.S. Route 89 near Page. Today’s news comes from our friends at the U.S. Forest Service: Forest Road 249, a dirt road that runs from Alpine to Big Lake in the White Mountains, will be fully paved by the end of next summer.
The 17-mile stretch of road will remain open during the construction, which will occur Monday through Friday, but drivers should expect delays of up to 30 minutes on those days, the Forest Service says.
Once it’s finished, the road will provide an easy driving route between two of the White Mountains’ most idyllic locations. Big Lake appeared in our July issue as the conclusion of a scenic drive from Eagar. And Alpine, at an elevation of 9,000 feet or so, features some of the coolest weather you’ll find in Arizona.
The Forest Service also noted that all fire restrictions in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests have been lifted.
Arizona Highways 
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