New funding for north Alaska highway upgrades to be provided over three years

The Government of Yukon is pleased to see the impact of the territory's closer relationship with the Government of Alaska resulting in benefits for Yukoners and Alaskans. Following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February by the Yukon's Premier Ranj Pillai and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, much-needed upgrades on the north Alaska Highway will begin in 2025 and continue until the end of the project in 2027.

Construction and upgrades will be funded by a $31.125M USD (approximately $42.6M CAD) investment by the Government of Alaska through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This funding will help to ensure safe and efficient travel for Yukoners and Alaskans along this critical northern route.

The highway serves as the primary land link between southeast Alaska and the rest of the United States and connects many rural communities in the Yukon including Haines Junction, Destruction Bay, Burwash Landing and Beaver Creek. This roadway also links the traditional territories of the Champagne and Aishihik, Kluane, and White River First Nations.

On February 9 of this year, the Yukon's Premier Ranj Pillai and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement commits Alaska's Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Yukon's Department of Highways and Public Works to work together to restore sections of the Alaska Highway in the Yukon.

The project will target a portion of the north Alaska highway, spanning approximately 222.5 kilometers from Destruction Bay to the Canada/US border. This section faces a range of road maintenance and safety challenges due to thawing permafrost. Restoration efforts will involve resurfacing, repairing the road underneath the surface and culverts. It will also include improvement to the drainage to make sure the road can be used safely at its intended speed.

The Government of Yukon is pleased to work with Alaska on shared priorities that improve the prosperity, stability and wellbeing of both Alaskans and the Yukoners.