In a sure sign that summer's upon us, the Denali Highway is now open.
From Cantwell on the Parks Highway to Paxson on the Richardson Highway, the entire 135-mile stretch of road is open to the public, the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities said Friday.
Winter snow usually closes the highway from roughly October through mid-May, but the exact timing all depends on the weather. In a press release, the DOT said crews thawed culverts, removed snow, and began repairing the highway beginning in mid-April.
At its completion in 1957, the Denali Highway was the only way to access Denali National Park and Preserve, then known as Mount McKinley National Park. Only 24 miles of the road are paved.
Though the road is open, travelers can still expect some delays; work on the Susitna River Bridge, at Mile 79.5 is slated for this season.
Transportation officials encourage travelers to visit 511.alaska.gov, or to call 511 for road conditions.