KETCHIKAN – A landslide on Tongass Highway at Wolfe Point occurred around 10:55 a.m. on Thursday between mile marker four and five that has temporarily closed both lanes of traffic.
According to the City of Ketchikan, as of 4:30 p.m. the road remains closed.
Crews are unable to begin debris removal until the site has been assessed by geotechnical engineers to ensure safety. Engineers are scheduled to arrive around 5 p.m. Their evaluation will determine when it is safe for crews to proceed with clearing the roadway.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to begin making contingency plans in case the road closure remains in effect for an extended period. The school district will communicate with parents about student logistics.
Emergency services remain available on the north end of the slide. A workaround is in place to transport patients to PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center if needed.
Transit services are affected by the closure. There are no transit services north of the slide. Buses will run on alternate routes south of the slide, please check the Transit app for the most up-to-date information. Paratransit services are operating on the south side of the slide, but homes on the north side are currently inaccessible.
Flights and ferries are operating on schedule, though there is potential for staffing challenges at the airport depending on employee locations and their ability to reach the facility.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and plan accordingly.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
