North through British Columbia - Alaska and Points North: Tips and Tales from the Road - page 55

Once punched through, the military turned the Alcan over to the civilian road builders who
continue, to this day, the process of straightening, fixing, reinforcing and rebuilding.
Today the road is completely asphalted but will always be vulnerable to damage by harsh
winters and surging rivers. Frost heaves are a given each spring. They cause a rippling of
the road bed that tortures tow bars. Take it slow through these areas and watch for the or-
ange pennants that signal road damage and the inevitable washouts.
The road is open year-round with service stations tending to be about 80-160 km/ 50-100
mi apart but as they say, “drive on the top half of your tank” because open-hours can be
whimsical and many businesses have shut down in recent years.
Cell service is non-existent on most parts of the highway so don't count on it. That said,
don't worry about being on your own either because traffic is steady and other travelers are
helpful.