ARIZONA NEWS

Traffic on highway between Phoenix and Payson delayed because of brush fire

May 27, 2022, 12:51 PM | Updated: 1:50 pm

(Arizona Department of Transportation File Photo)...

(Arizona Department of Transportation File Photo)

(Arizona Department of Transportation File Photo)

PHOENIX – With travelers starting their Memorial Day weekend getaways, traffic State Route 87 was delayed on Friday afternoon because of a brush fire along the route between Phoenix and Payson, authorities said.

SR 87 northeast of metro Phoenix is also known as the Beeline Highway. The fire was burning around milepost 209 of the highway, near Ballentine Trailhead.

Around 12:30 p.m., the Arizona Department of Transportation said only northbound traffic was closed, starting at the Bush Highway. About 15 minutes later, Tonto National Forest officials said southbound lanes were also closed for firefighter and public safety.

Traffic was getting through in both directions within about an hour, but backups persisted.

ADOT advised motorists to expect delays or seek alternate routes.

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Traffic on highway between Phoenix and Payson delayed because of brush fire