A sequence of mudslides has caused the closure of the South Klondike Highway south of Carcross, Yukon, disrupting road connections between the territory and the southeastern Alaska town of Skagway. The closure spans from kilometre 106 to 24, as stated by the Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works in a recent Facebook update. This effectively blocks travel from Carcross stretching into northern British Columbia and extending down to the U.S.-Canada border.
According to a department representative, multiple mudslides have occurred, prompting assessment operations scheduled to commence on Wednesday morning. Skagway Police Department alerts have indicated that no vehicles were affected by the mudslides. However, at least two tour buses carrying cruise ship passengers are presently stranded due to the road closure.
Updates from Yukon Highways have suggested that the mudslide clearing process may be time-consuming, with a potential for the closure to last several days. Due to the unstable conditions on the mountainside, road clearance is pending until a geologist evaluates the situation, as mentioned in an alert issued by the authorities.
Skagway police have announced a partial reopening of the highway from the international border up to the Yukon-B.C. border on Wednesday morning, allowing for tours to proceed. Nevertheless, traffic beyond kilometre 80 will remain prohibited until further notice.