The Dempster Highway reopened Tuesday afternoon.

The remote artery had been closed last Thursday because of high water and flooding that washed out sections of the roadway.

While the highway is open, officials with the Department of Highways and Public Works are cautioning motorists there are still rough sections, and it’s slow going.

Clint Ireland, the director of the maintenance branch, recommended early this afternoon that if travellers don’t have to drive the Dempster, he would suggest they don’t until further repairs are completed.

Doris Wurfbaum, a department communications officer, said a major washout at kilometre 164 and three minor washouts at km 107, 136 and 137 have been repaired.

The highway was reopened to traffic at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday, she said.

Wurfbaum said there is still a travel advisory in effect for km 286 to 325 because of difficult driving conditions with rough sections.

There are still soft shoulders and wet conditions, she added.

“We ask travellers to watch for crews working and yield to heavy equipment operating,” she said.

“It is still tough going. Plan to take extra time on your journey.”

The Pelly River ferry was not operational this morning because of high water.

It was expected to be back in service for light traffic later this afternoon, according to the N.W.T.’s Department of Transport.