The McCarthy Road and the Taylor Highway are now open for travel. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) will perform regular maintenance now through Oct. 15 on both roadways, according to a news release from the state agency.
Beginning in early March, DOT&PF maintenance crews conducted snow removal and thawed culverts to restore the highways to good driving conditions, the release stated. Current road conditions on both the McCarthy Road and Taylor Highway are fair to difficult due to soft shoulders and a wet and rough roadway. Drivers can expect an advisory 35-mile-per-hour speed limit due to current conditions.
Travelers should watch for maintenance crews working on the roads throughout the year and are encouraged to prepare for remote travel by bringing appropriate emergency supplies including food and water, first aid kits, seasonally appropriate clothing, and spare tires. Services on these stretches of road are unavailable — that includes gas stations and a lack of cell coverage and camping areas.
Seasonal weight restrictions are in effect and can be checked at tinyurl.com/mr3a8hzx. Before traveling either road, motorists are advised to visit 511 or call 511 for the latest conditions.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, nine ferries serving 35 communities, 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.”
