(Anchorage, Alaska) — The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) announced that an avalanche has temporarily closed the Seward Highway at MP 37, at the “Y” intersection with the Sterling Highway. Traffic is closed in both directions on the Seward and the Sterling Highway is closed at the “Y”.

The slide occurred today at approximately 7:00 am this morning. The slide was estimated at 3’ to 10’ deep and 100’ wide. ADOT&PF crews are on route to the site to assess the situation and to clear highway debris. That work will begin at first light.

This closure is expected to extend well into the day as crews work to clear the highway and make assessments for further avalanche risk reduction activities. Further status reports will be issued as new information is known.

ADOT&PF advises drivers that the risk of avalanche is considerable in the Turnagain/Seward Highway area. Further small to medium avalanches are likely, and small amounts of debris on the highway is possible. Drivers should avoid this area if possible, but if travel is necessary, proceed directly to your destination and avoid unnecessary stoppages along the way. Further, drivers should expect difficult wintertime driving conditions, are advised to drive cautiously and at reduced speeds, and to be aware of road crews and plow trucks.

Updates on road conditions can be found at the 511.alaska.gov website or by dialing 511 on your telephone.

For more information, contact Rick Feller, DOT&PF public information officer, @ (907) 269-0772, rick.feller@alaska.gov, or (907) 632-9198 (cell).

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) oversees 254 airports, 11 ferries serving 33 communities, 5,700 miles of highway and 660 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of ADOT&PF is to “Get Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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