Alaska Highway reopens at Teslin, Watson Lake

The Alaska Highway between Teslin and Watson Lake, Yukon, reopened at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Commercial vehicles were the first to be allowed through, and the first truck to make it to Teslin arrived to cheers and applause Monday night at around 10 p.m.

"Things went very well overnight, I think due to in large part the efforts of the RCMP and Emergency Measures officials that helped us stage the traffic release," said Allan Nixon, assistant deputy minister of the Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works.

"We did do commercial traffic first and then started on private traffic for people who wanted to leave. A lot of the RVers decided to stay put and travel this morning."

The highway was closed late last week due to washouts and mudslides after heavy rains and spring runoff. In the Canyon Creek/Rancheria area, a single lane of traffic is open.

Nixon said the temporary single lane of gravel is "much like the old Alaska Highway was," but is drivable for small cars and motorhomes.

He said crews will start work on constructing a more permanent two-lane detour to handle traffic while the washed-out section is under repair.

The Department of Highways and Public Works is advising travellers on that section of the Alaska Highway to expect lengthy delays.

Nixon said the Campbell Highway is expected to open later this morning, while Nahanni Range Road remains closed as it needs "a significant amount of work."