| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2020 CONTACT: Caitlin Frye, (907) 451-5307, caitlin.frye@alaska.gov |
| The Denali Highway Is Now Open for Public Travel Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions at 511.alaska.gov before traveling. (FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – The Denali Highway is now open from Cantwell, on the Parks Highway, to Paxson, on the Richardson Highway. Beginning in mid-April, maintenance and operations crews with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) removed snow, thawed culverts and completed repairs along the 135 mile road. The Denali Highway is typically open by May 15, but heavy snow and wind on the Richardson Highway side delayed this year’s progress. DOT&PF urges drivers to be prepared for remote travel by bringing extra food and water, clothing and footwear for changing weather, and a first aid kit. Current conditions include a narrow road between miles 42 and 60. Drivers should use caution and travel slowly through this section. Before traveling, please visit 511.alaska.gov or call 511 for the latest road condition information. Seasonal weight restrictions are in effect, with updates available here. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 239 airports, 10 ferries serving 35 communities, over 5,600 miles of highway and 776 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”  Snow blower works to open Denali Highway on April 22  View from the Denali Highway on May 4 as crews work to plow the road  The Paxson crew works to open the road on May 12  Drivers should use caution through a narrow section between miles 42 and 60 |
