A series of mudslides have caused the closure of the South Klondike Highway south of Carcross, Yukon, disrupting road travel between the territory and the southeastern Alaskan town of Skagway. The Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works announced the closure on Tuesday evening, stating that the affected section of the highway spans from kilometre 106 to 24, essentially blocking access from Carcross to northern British Columbia and all the way to the U.S.-Canada border.

According to a department spokesperson, multiple mudslides occurred, prompting plans for assessment work to commence on Wednesday. While no vehicles were caught in the mudslides, two cruise ship passenger tour buses are currently stranded due to the highway closure, as reported by the Skagway Police Department.

Authorities indicated that it will take some time to clear the mudslides, with the closure possibly lasting several days due to the unstable condition of the mountainside. A geologist’s assessment is required before road clearance can proceed, as per one of the alerts issued.

In an effort to facilitate tours, the highway is set to partially reopen on Wednesday morning from the international border up to the Yukon-British Columbia border. However, restrictions will remain in place beyond kilometre 80, prohibiting further traffic movement, as stated by the Skagway police.