Taylor Highway sees convoys before Friday closure

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The state Department of Transportation is working with the village of Eagle to help residents get supplies stored up for the winter.

The state has been allowing convoys to travel to Eagle along the damaged Taylor Highway twice a day this week.

Heavy rains washed out vast stretches of the highway in July, and the convoys enable motorists to drive to and from Eagle while giving the village road access to Tok and Dawson City.

“I think that everybody is making the most of these openings that they've had, and the state is trying to work as soon as they get the road completed,” said Eagle resident Krystie DePue. “Working to have the state DOT maintain the road through November 15th, which is a full month longer than they normally maintain the road to give people more access and allow more fuel and supplies in.”

The highway will close again on Friday, but DOT says additional convoy trips are planned Oct. 10 through Oct. 13, as well as Oct. 16-17.