Alaska highway reopens with guide cars after wildfire delays

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – An Alaska highway has reopened after being affected by delays and closures due to a large wildfire on the Kenai Peninsula.

The Anchorage Daily News reported Sunday that both lanes of the Sterling Highway were open, although vehicles operated by emergency officials escorted drivers in both directions.

Alaska Department of Transportation and Kenai Peninsula Borough officials say the guide cars were used Sunday due to a continued risk of charred trees toppling in gusty winds.

The wildfire that began in June was focused about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Anchorage between the communities of Cooper Landing and Sterling.

Transportation department officials say motorists should be prepared for delays.

A borough official says motorists reported waits of between 15 minutes and an hour depending on their place in line.

Information from: Anchorage Daily News, http://www.adn.com