An 82-kilometre stretch of the South Klondike Highway between Carcross, Yukon, and Fraser, B.C., was closed on Aug. 11 due to a rockslide that covered both lanes, stranding approximately 200 cruise ship passengers and other travellers.

Yukon Highways and Public Works crews began clearing the debris but expected the highway to remain closed until at least Aug. 13, with plans to allow single-lane traffic by that time, according to a CBC News report published Aug. 12.

Officials cited ongoing heavy rainfall as a factor increasing the risk of further landslides, delaying the reopening efforts. The prolonged closure has also affected commercial and tourist travel.

Many cruise ship passengers who arrived in Carcross for sightseeing were forced to seek shelter and assistance when buses were unable to continue along the closed highway, CBC News reported.

Local businesses, such as the Caribou Crossing Cafe in Carcross, expressed worries over declining customer numbers if the highway remains closed beyond three days.

The closure disrupted the U.S.-Canada border crossing at Skagway, Alaska, where traffic was temporarily limited to northbound travel only up to the Yukon Suspension Bridge.

The South Klondike Highway links Yukon, British Columbia and Alaska and carries commercial traffic, tourism and local travel.

The Yukon government provides updated road conditions, alerts and closures related to the situation via the 511 Yukon service, accessible online and by telephone.

Landslides and other weather-related disruptions have closed the highway before during periods of heavy precipitation.

Residents and travellers affected by the closure are advised to monitor official Yukon government channels for developments and safety information.