December 26, 2019 - 5:53 PM
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Unsafe conditions have prompted the closure of a 25-mile stretch of the Richardson Highway until at least Friday morning.
State transportation officials said several snow slides, high winds, drifting snow and poor visibility led to the closure of the highway Thursday morning between milepost 180 and 205 near Paxson.
Department of Transportation spokeswoman Caitlin Frye said visibility was so bad that equipment operators were unable to see the end of their vehicles. The crews eventually had to stop plowing because of the conditions, but remained at a nearby maintenance station.
DOT officials said barricades have been placed on the highway, but several vehicles have driven past them. Frye said maintenance workers had to follow them and turn them around.
She said crews will reassess conditions on the highway Friday morning.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019