Avalanches close the Seward Highway
Published in the Seward Phoenix LOG
Mar 9th, 2010
The Seward Highway is currently closed due to two separate avalanches.
The first avalanche occurred around 7 a.m. at mile post 98.5 of the Seward Highway, according to Ricky Feller, spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Transportation.
The second avalanche occurred two hours later about three miles south of Girdwood.
Alaska State Troopers have closed the highway at mile post 38, near the Sterling Highway/Seward Highway turnoff for northbound traffic.
The highway has been closed at mile post 100 for southbound traffic.
Kenai Peninsula crews are installing changeable message boards at Moose Pass on the Seward Highway and at mile post 45 of Sterling Highway in order to provide adequate turnaround time for large trucks plus refuge for stranded motorists.
Barricades and signs will also be placed near Seward Highway mile post 39.
Southbound traffic on the Seward Highway will remain open for any travelers on the road south of the avalanches at mile posts 98.5 and near mile post 87.
The DOT expects the highway to re-open later this evening between 6-9 p.m.