The Seward Highway on Turnagain Arm has been pummeled by high winds this morning, closing the Whittier Tunnel and prompting Avalanche mitigation efforts this afternoon.
Jill Reese with the Department of Transportation…
Reese: “We’re going to be taking care of some avalanche hazards along the Seward Highway and this work is going to be between Girdwood and Portage near Milepost 89-83. So motorists should expect delays of up to 30-45 minutes between 1-3 pm.”
For road updates on the Whittier Tunnel reopening and any additional avalanche mitigations visit 511.alaska.gov or call 511.
Reese added that the DOT was notified by the Alaska State Troopers this morning that one semi truck and trailer was blown off the Portage highway and another onto its side by winds gusting over 90 mph earlier.
No injuries were reported and the highway remained open since both trucks were off the road.
