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

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.

*CLOSURE*

State Route 87 northbound is CLOSED at Bush Highway.

The closure is due to a brush fire at milepost 209.

Motorists should expect delays and seek an alternate route.

There is no estimated time to reopen the highway.#aztraffic #SR87 pic.twitter.com/JVrGKqOSm3

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 27, 2022

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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