Dalton Highway Reopens After Flooding Disruption

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has reopened the Dalton Highway, a vital route to Alaska’s North Slope oil fields, after a five-day shutdown due to flooding. The road, which spans 415 miles, was closed from June 13 following severe flooding that damaged sections between Milepost 305 and 356.

On June 18, traffic resumed at noon, albeit with traffic control measures in place, including some single-lane sections. The section at Milepost 315 experienced significant damage due to a failed culvert, prompting urgent repair work by crews. The flooding resulted from a sudden rise in temperatures after an unusually cold spring, which led to snowmelt flooding that stranded camper vehicles and delayed shipments to the oil fields.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the closure, and companies managed to maintain supplies of fuel and food in anticipation of delays. Travelers are advised to expect ongoing traffic control measures between Milepost 315 and 345, with some areas reduced to one lane due to storm-related damage.

The state announced that repairs have been completed at the Happy Valley section (Milepost 335), where erosion control measures were successfully installed. However, crews are still working on culvert repairs at Milepost 345.5, while authorities continue to monitor high water levels between Milepost 401 and 403, though no erosion has been observed recently.

For further updates and live road reports, residents and travelers can visit 511.alaska.gov or check public input at publicinput.com/n86576.