Rockslide blocks both lanes of North Tongass Hwy near Ward Cove

A rockslide near Cannery Creek blocked both lanes of North Tongass Highway in Ward Cove on Tuesday morning, cutting the only paved road connecting the North Tongass Service Area to the City of Ketchikan.

Alaska 511 issued the alert at 6:20 a.m. UTC, advising motorists to use caution while debris removal is underway. No injuries, causes, or reopening timeline have been confirmed by a named official source. The alert window ran through approximately 8:01 a.m. UTC. Travelers should check Alaska 511 at 511.alaska.gov for current road status before heading out.

What Is at Stake for North Tongass Residents

North Tongass Highway is the sole road corridor for residents north of Ketchikan, serving the North Tongass Service Area communities administered by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. When both lanes are blocked, those residents lose direct access to the city center, the airport ferry terminal, and borough services. Ward Cove also hosts cruise and excursion operations at The Mill at Ward Cove, where road access between the dock and downtown Ketchikan is essential for passengers and crew.

A Recurring Vulnerability

This is not the first time a slide has shut down the corridor. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities described a similar event in a March 2025 update: "A major landslide on March 20 covered both lanes of North Tongass Hwy near Wolfe Point, north of the Ketchikan International Airport's ferry terminal." That closure drew attention to how quickly a single slide can isolate the island's north side.