New funding has been allocated to ensure the Alaska Highway remains operational throughout the year. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has directed $7.2 million in federal funds towards restoration projects in Canada’s Yukon Territory, specifically through the Shakwak corridor. This investment highlights the highway’s importance as a land route between the contiguous United States and Alaska.
The funding, identified under STIP 2023–2027 IDs 34728 and 24760, was transferred by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on May 1, 2025. The projects will focus on repairing road embankments, restoring surfaces and slopes, replacing culverts, reshaping ditches, and stockpiling aggregates between km 1762 and km 1790 of the highway.
“The Shakwak Project is a long-standing and essential partnership between Alaska, the United States, and Canada,” stated DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson. He emphasized its significance for both Alaskans and broader regional cooperation.
DOT&PF collaborated with FHWA and the Government of Yukon to share construction advertisements with Alaskan contractors. Bid notices were distributed through Alaska’s Associated General Contractors network to ensure equitable procurement opportunities.
These efforts are part of a larger commitment to maintain the Shakwak corridor which crosses challenging North American terrain. In addition to current funding, DOT&PF secured a federal RAISE grant for future phases of work. While details are still being finalized, coordination with federal partners continues to support this infrastructure project.
The Alaska Highway was originally built during World War II as a military supply route but remains crucial today for emergency response, national defense, freight movement, and tourism. DOT&PF aims to preserve this cross-border route through collaboration with FHWA and the Government of Yukon.
The department oversees numerous transportation facilities across Alaska including airports, ferries serving various communities along marine miles, highways, and public facilities. Their mission is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”
