NAVAJO COUNTY, Ariz. — Severe weather has caused significant damage to a vital bridge on U.S. Highway 64, which serves as a critical link between Arizona and New Mexico within the Navajo Nation. This has led to the complete closure of all lanes in both directions, according to a recent post from the Navajo Police Department.

The affected stretch of the highway runs from mile marker 0 in Arizona to mile marker 12 in New Mexico. As a result of the closure, Navajo police officials have advised travelers to avoid using the highway between Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, and Beclabito, New Mexico. Motorists are being redirected through Colorado as an alternative route.

Navajo police provided detailed instructions for the detour: "If you’re traveling from Teec Nos Pos, take U.S. Highway 160 towards Cortez, Colorado, and then proceed back on U.S. Highway 491 towards Shiprock, New Mexico."

The Arizona and New Mexico departments of transportation are actively working together to assess the damage and initiate repairs on the damaged roadway. This collaborative effort aims to restore the vital transportation link as quickly and safely as possible. Engineers and maintenance crews are on-site to evaluate the structural integrity of the bridge and implement necessary repair measures.

In the meantime, Navajo EMS has assured residents and travelers that their emergency services have not been affected by the bridge closure. They remain fully operational and prepared to respond to any emergencies in the region.

Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as repair work progresses. They urge all travelers to adhere to the recommended detour routes and to stay informed about the latest developments through official channels.

The closure of this bridge impacts not only daily commuters but also the transport of goods and services between Arizona and New Mexico. Local businesses and residents are advised to plan for potential delays and disruptions until the bridge is fully repaired and reopened.

In addition to the immediate repair efforts, transportation officials are considering long-term solutions to enhance the resilience of the infrastructure against future severe weather events. This incident highlights the importance of robust and well-maintained infrastructure in ensuring the safety and connectivity of communities within the Navajo Nation and beyond.

For further information and updates, travelers are encouraged to visit the official websites of the Arizona and New Mexico departments of transportation, as well as the Navajo Police Department's social media pages.