KTKN

03/24/2025

Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has shared the latest!

Wolfe Point Landslide | Monday, March 23, 2025 |

Thank you, , for your patience and cooperation as we work with landslide experts and the State Emergency Operations Center to Keep Alaska Moving—safely.

We deeply appreciate the community’s support this morning, as hundreds of travelers safely crossed the temporary bypass to help keep critical goods and services moving, including food, medications, and fuel.

Today’s update:

🔹Over 600 travelers safely crossed the bypass this morning—thank you for your patience and safe driving!
🔹Shoofly bypass held up very well to vehicle traffic—thank you to our construction contractor, SECON, and everyone who worked hard to build it yesterday.
🔹Debris removal efforts are ongoing and progressing steadily.

Bypass schedule:
🚦 Today’s afternoon bypass window: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
📢 Tomorrow’s schedule will be announced around 5 p.m. this evening

Bypass reminders:
🔸 Travel is one-way, gravel surface, and flagger/pilot-car controlled
🔸 Expect delays; please travel for essential purposes only
🔸 Construction activities will adjust while traffic is flowing

🔗 More info: https://www.kgbak.us/1113/Wolfe-Point-Landslide

03/23/2025

03/23/2025

🚧 Highway Remains Closed – Temporary Bypass Construction Begins Soon 🚧

The slope at the Wolfe Point slide remains unstable, and the highway will remain closed through the weekend.

At the request of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, SECON crews will begin constructing a temporary single-lane bypass to restore limited daytime travel. The bypass will be controlled by spotters and flaggers, with an expected completion early this week.

⚠️ Once the bypass is open, expect significant delays and only travel if absolutely necessary.

🚢 Water shuttle operations will continue during the construction of the bypass.

Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For more information on the landslide and project visit: https://www.kgbak.us/1113/Wolfe-Point-Landslide or https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaDOTPF

03/21/2025

🚨 Flight Restriction in Place Near Wolfe Point Landslide 🚨

The FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) within half a mile of the Wolfe Point landslide. This applies to all non-essential aircraft, including drones.

❌ Do NOT fly in this area – unauthorized flights pose a serious safety risk and could interfere with emergency response efforts.
We appreciate the public’s cooperation in keeping the airspace clear. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

📢 For official FAA details, check their website or contact local aviation authorities.

03/21/2025

Sitka spruce is used in the soundboards of grand and baby pianos, and the flattops of acoustic guitars and basses. Ninety percent of the Sitka spruce manufactured in the United States comes from the mill.

By Greg Knight, News of the North A Southeast Alaska, family-owned lumber mill is suing the U.S. Forest Service over what they call a violation of the 2016 Tongass Management […]

03/21/2025

🚧 Wolfe Point Landslide Update 4🚧

DOT crews have begun clearing debris at Wolfe Point. At this time, it is unknown how long removal will take, but we will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

⚠️ For safety reasons:
• Stay away from the slide area to allow crews to work.
• Boaters must stay at least 50 feet from shore near the slide and should not land anywhere between Wolfe Point and Taquan.

🚌 Free Park & Ride Service is available! Park at AMHS Ferry Terminal and Ketchikan International Airport on the south side or Tyler Rental on the north side.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation. Stay tuned for updates.
More info: https://www.kgbak.us/1113/Wolfe-Point-Landslide or https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaDOTPF

03/21/2025

DEBRIS REMOVAL DELAYED UNTIL MORNING
In coordination with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), SECON and DOT&PF crews, officials have decided to postpone debris removal until the morning to ensure the safety of all involved.

Concerns remain regarding the potential shifting of large rock blocks within the landslide debris. While the slope currently appears stable, crews will conduct a 6 a.m. site assessment to confirm no overnight changes. If conditions remain safe, work will begin at 6:30 a.m.

Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City of Ketchikan Mayor Bob Sivertsen have signed a joint declaration of disaster emergency, which has been adopted by the Ketchikan City Council. The declaration is set to be presented to the Borough Assembly at a special meeting in the near future.

Displaced residents in need of temporary shelter are encouraged to contact Sarah Harney at [email protected] for assistance.

We appreciate the public’s patience as we prioritize the safety of our workers during this excavation. Updates will continue as the situation progresses.

For the latest information, visit https://www.kgbak.us/1113/Wolfe-Point-Landslide.

03/21/2025

A small landslide occurred Thursday on Tongass Highway near an Alaska DOT project at Wolfe Point. Tune in to ktknketchikan.com for updates.

KETCHIKAN – A landslide on Tongass Highway at Wolfe Point occurred around 10:55 a.m. on Thursday between mile marker four and five that has temporarily closed both lanes of traffic. […]

03/20/2025

North and Southbound lanes closed at Wolfe Point due to landslide. No injuries reported at this time. Road clearing has been estimated to take an undetermined amount of hours.

Allen Marine will be shuttling people from Salmon Landing to the Ketch and back. Please call the office to get on the manifest. They can have 45 max each trip.

(907)228-4635

Photo by Deb Peterson

03/07/2025

There’s some fuzz today on KTKN! If you’re looking for a clear relay of the Metlakatla or Kayhi Basketball games you can also listen to our stream on the Ketchikan Radio Center app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ketchikan-media-center/id1353824142

or live online at ktknketchikan.com!

01/30/2025

We are joined by Erika Jayne Christensen, and the new Director of the Tongass Heritage Museum, Samantha Forsko! We had a flowing conversation, where we covered everything happening in the museum, but also the secrets of the Ketchikan underbelly. The museum is also hiring (and for a decent wage at...