Alaska Highway traffic detours around Marsh Lake

Some work on the Alaska Highway that's not going according to plan will mean a detour for Yukon motorists for the next few days.

Kendra Black, spokesperson for the Department of Highways, says crews replacing a culvert under the highway near Marsh Lake ran into some trouble this morning.

"More water mixing with clay is creating some instability in that area, so we just want to make sure that we are putting the safety of travellers first," she said.

Black says local traffic, including cars and light trucks, will be allowed to use a single lane past the culvert work.

Heavier traffic, including recreational vehicles, is being stopped at Jakes Corner and the Carcross cutoff. Those vehicles are being diverted through Tagish.

Local traffic can expect delays of up to 15 minutes to pass the culvert work area.

Black expects the detour will be in place until Monday.