Construction Updates on Forest Service Road 249 to Big Lake

Release Date: Oct 7, 2014

Contact(s): Marta Call: 928-333-6280

Springerville, AZ—October 6, 2014:  As you drive through the Big Lake area to view the fall colors you might encounter construction onForest Service Road (FSR) 249. Work began in July and continues six (6) days a week, Monday through Saturday, dawn to dusk. The road remains open and will not hamper the public’s plans to camp, fish or recreate.   

The construction crews expect to have the first lift of the paving project completed by October 10, with anticipation of substantial completion by mid-November. Work will stop for the winter and then finalization will resume in the spring of 2015.  

The stop lights around Sierra Blanca Lake are gone, but flaggers will continue to be present where needed throughout the construction zone.

Be mindful of your speed through construction zones; do not exceed the posted speed limit. There are multiple stops with one-lane traffic being routed through the 17 miles of construction on FSR 249.  Road project managers are expecting no longer than a total of 30 minute delays.

Fall has arrived and hunters are on the mountain. Please be aware of safety measures to protect yourself while in the White Mountains.  “Know Before You Go” check out road conditions, fire restrictions, and weather predictions for your time in our area.                        

For more information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and its district offices, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Residents and visitors are asked to be aware of wildfire conditions in our area and take appropriate prevention measures.  Remember, one less spark means one less wildfire.