Skagway's ferry terminal is closed indefinitely for work the state planned as a one-week job

Skagway's ferry terminal is closed with no reopening date while crews replace six anchor chains, stabilize the terminal float and repair a damaged concrete abutment under an emergency contract.

A February notice from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities had proposed replacing deteriorated anchor chain at 19 locations along the same float, warning of a closure of up to one week, with construction anticipated as early as late spring. Engineering and environmental review for that project began in April 2025.

Commercial divers found the damage during underwater inspections, the department said Wednesday. Engineers are still assessing their findings. Crews are preparing to remove the vehicle transfer bridge and the passenger walkway to reach the float and the landside abutment.

Marine Highway Director Craig Tornga said the terminal will not reopen until the float is stable, the abutment is repaired and engineers determine the facility is safe.

The ferry system's website carried no notice of the closure Wednesday night. The Skagway service alert that appeared on the Alaska Marine Highway System homepage on Aug. 15 was gone, along with the notification panel that had carried it.

Private operators are running supplemental passenger service. Travelers with vehicles can drive between Skagway and Haines through Canada and connect with ferry service there, where the system is allowing additional time where operationally feasible.