KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Antone Larson Bay Road washed out just below the pass. Photos by Jane Lanford.
Stormy conditions Friday night flooded the airport runway and dumped mudslides on the road at Lash Dock and near the fairgrounds. Crews worked through the night in an attempt to keep the road passable. On Friday night the road had to eventually be closed to all traffic as mud continued to pile up.
On Saturday morning a flight over the area revealed the extent of the damage. By mid-day Saturday the road remained closed as crews worked their way through what were described as two massive mudslides.
Road Crews continued to work at clearing the mudslides all day Saturday. By Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. the DOT re-opened the road.
To see more photographs, click "Read more" below.
Sandy Thummel (THUM-uhl) is a spokeswoman for the Alaska State Troopers. She said that a flight over the area revealed what lay ahead for the workers.
— (Road Update 1 :35 "He was actually … one as well.")
On Friday night, D-O-T workers fought Mother Nature to keep the road open while a long line of commuters waited, hoping to make it home before their luck or the mountain ran out. According to Thummel, the drivers came out ahead.
— (Road Update 2 :09 "To my knowledge …in the mud.")
With the focus on clearing the slides, any damage to Chiniak highway has yet to be assessed.
— (Road Update 3 :09 "I would think …at this time.")
