McCarthy Road opens for season with difficult conditions, 35 mph advisory

The McCarthy Road opened for public travel May 8 after crews began work in early March clearing snow and thawing culverts, but drivers face fair to difficult conditions with soft shoulders, a wet rough roadway, potholes, rutting and rocks, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced.

The department will perform regular maintenance through October 1. An advisory 35 mph speed limit remains in effect due to current conditions.

DOT&PF maintenance and operations crews worked to restore the highway to good driving condition. The approximately 60-mile gravel road provides the only access to the communities of McCarthy and Kennicott and serves as the gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

"McCarthy Road is a critical route that leads into the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and surrounding communities of McCarthy and Kennicott," said Chad Heller, Alaska DOT&PF Maintenance and Operations Tazlina District Superintendent. "Our crews work hard through changing spring conditions and terrain to make sure the road stays passable for communities and travelers who rely on it."

Originally built along the old Copper River and Northwestern Railway route that served the historic Kennecott copper mines, today's McCarthy Road still follows the original railroad grade through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The road provides access to one of Alaska's most remote and scenic destinations, where much of the surrounding area has been shaped by glaciers and nearly a quarter of the drainage basin remains covered in ice.

Services, including gas stations, cell coverage and camping facilities, are unavailable on this stretch of road. The department recommends fueling up in Glennallen, Kenny Lake or Chitina before making the trip.

The department recommends travelers prepare for remote travel by bringing appropriate emergency supplies including food and water, first aid kits, seasonally appropriate clothing, and spare tires. Travelers should also watch for maintenance crews working on the roads.

Seasonal weight restrictions are in effect and can be checked on the department's website at dot.alaska.gov/mscvc/pages/weightrestrictions.shtml.

Travelers are encouraged to check road conditions at 511.alaska.gov or download the Alaska 511 app for the most up-to-date information, real-time road conditions, weather updates, and travel alerts before traveling.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highways and 839 public facilities throughout the state.

For more information, contact Angelica Stabs at 907-451-5311 or [email protected].