(VALDEZ, Alaska) –The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) will reopen the Richardson Highway at milepost 12-18 to all traffic Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. This follows a nearly two-week closure after multiple avalanches blocked the highway Jan. 24.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area until tomorrow’s opening and to respect all posted road closures. The public is not permitted past the avalanche gates.

ADOT&PF has performed multiple stability tests to ensure the roadway can support heavy loads and equipment. Test results have determined that the roadway is in good condition and can support both commercial and passenger vehicles.

The state ferry M/V Aurora will resume its previously posted schedule, available at FerryAlaska.com.

For further details and updates on road conditions, please visit 511.alaska.gov, dial 5-1-1, or check for 511 updates on Facebook and Twitter.

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.”

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