The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and the City of Wasilla are conducting winter operations training today, November 18, by plowing and grading Gold Cord Road to prepare new equipment operators for the upcoming snow season.

The training exercise will run until 3:30 p.m., and the plowing is for today only. Officials say the work is strictly for hands-on training and will not continue beyond today.

DOT&PF clarified that Hatcher Pass Road will not be affected by this operation. While Gold Cord Road is being cleared, regular winter road conditions remain in place elsewhere in the area.

Lower elevations currently lack the snow cover needed for effective training, prompting the agencies to use Gold Cord Road for today’s session. New snowfall is expected on Friday, according to state forecasts.

Also Read: Archangel Road in Hatcher Pass Closed for Winter

Residents and travelers are thanked for their patience as new plow operators gain essential experience in safely and efficiently handling winter maintenance across Alaska’s highways and communities.