Photos: DOT begins clearing Richardson Highway after floodwaters recede

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DOT crews work on clearing the Richardson Highway north of the avalanche in Keystone Canyon near Valdez. Crews were able to begin clearing snow and ice after floodwaters receded on Jan 30, 2014.

The water has been drained off the roadway, but six miles of the Richardson Highway remain impassable because of snow and debris left behind after a series of massive avalanches came down near Valdez. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities said late Friday afternoon that its crews continue to work 24 hours per day to clear the highway, and restore road access to Valdez. Set along the shores of Prince William Sound, Valdez is seeing an increase in state ferry traffic in order to move people and goods into the town of about 4,000.

Read more: Water recedes, work continues to clear Richardson Highway after massive avalanches cover road