(VALDEZ, Alaska) –The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) has closed the Richardson Highway from milepost 12-64 due to multiple avalanches blocking the roadway.

All vehicles traveling through the area at approximately 6:30 a.m., when the avalanches occurred, were not caught by the slides. One vehicle did hit snow already on the roadway at milepost 39.5. The occupant of this vehicle was unharmed and has been transported to a safer location.

ADOT&PF maintenance crews will allow the wet, heavy snow to stabilize before safely using all available equipment and personnel to clear the road. The highway will be closed for at least 24 hours, depending on weather conditions.

For further details and updates on driving conditions, drivers can visit 511.alaska.gov, dial 5-1-1, or check for 511 updates on Facebook and Twitter. ADOT&PF reminds drivers to exercise extreme caution if traveling through mountain passes in this region as there is an increased possibility for more avalanches to occur and to be aware of flaggers and heavy equipment in the roadway.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

# # #

Main Newsroom Page