Work with U.S. officials to expedite the emergency opening of the Canada-U.S. border crossing west of Dawson City as a second road access to the Klondike.

That was the official Opposition Yukon Party’s urging to the territorial government this morning in the wake of the North Klondike Highway’s closure due to flooding.

“Intense spring flooding has closed the North Klondike Highway east of Dawson City, cutting off access to Whitehorse and points south,” the YP noted.

“This means that much-needed supplies such as groceries, sandbags and equipment cannot flow as freely to areas impacted by flooding.”

The opening of the Little Gold-Poker Creek border crossing, linking Alaska’s Tayor Highway to the Yukon’s Top of the World, is set for June 1. This route provides secondary access to the south through Alaska during the summer months.

“However, that opening is a week away, and continued access to supplies is critical for all residents in the Klondike region,” the YP said.

Porter Creek North MLA Geraldine Van Bibber added, “With flooding closing Dawson’s only access south between Stewart Crossing and the Dempster Highway turn-off, supply access has been limited to air-only.

“By opening the border as soon as possible, goods could still be trucked into Dawson through Alaska. This would also allow folks who need to travel to Whitehorse for medical appointments to still make their appointments without having to reschedule.”

The water is also threatening to damage the Clear Creek Bridge – which could result in an extended closure of the North Klondike Highway.

In addition, other highway infrastructure is under threat due to high water, the YP noted – particularly Mayo’s road access via the Silver Trail.

“The Yukon Party suggests the government immediately triage areas of repair along both the North Klondike and Silver Trail, and reach out to contractors who could do repair work on an emergency basis to open both roads in an expedited manner once the water recedes,” the official Opposition said.