‘Extremely dangerous’ conditions on Glenn Highway due to snowfall, APD says

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Relentless snowfall is contributing to dangerous road conditions Tuesday in Anchorage and other areas of Southcentral Alaska, authorities say.

The latest numbers around Anchorage as of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday included 53 crashes, 11 with injuries, and 124 vehicles in distress, according to an Anchorage police spokesperson.

The inbound Glenn Highway was closed at South Eagle Road just after 12 p.m., with southbound traffic being diverted through Eagle River.

The Glenn was reopened shortly after 3 p.m., APD said, adding that traffic was still slow-moving due to the winter conditions.

General conditions on the Glenn Highway are “extremely dangerous,” according to APD. Drivers are being asked to avoid the highway if possible, partly to give plow drivers time to do their work.

In one incident, a school bus slid off the road and into a ditch on the Glenn Highway between Anchorage and Eagle River.

An Anchorage School District spokesperson said the Reliant-owned bus had 29 students on board, and all were in school by 9 a.m. with no injuries reported.

A second school bus that was reported “in distress” near Inlet View Elementary was later revealed to have slid into a snow berm, although only the driver was on board, according to a district spokesperson.

APD Traffic Unit Supervisor David Noll said people who do have to hit the road should budget extra time and slow down to be safe, not just for themselves but also for the drivers around them who are already dealing with reduced visibility.

“Obviously you need to drive slow enough that you can control your vehicle, you can steer, you can stop,” Noll said. “But also, you need to be considerate of others around you that when you are driving fast, you are lofting a lot of that snow up and making it hard to see.”

Noll said state law requires at least two seconds stopping time between vehicles, but in bad weather, the recommended time is four seconds. He said drivers should have their headlights on, even during the day, and do their best to keep their windows and headlights clear of snow. If drivers encounter an unplowed road that is concerning, try to go a different route.

He said people who do get stuck or go off the road have options, but can always call police.

“If you end up stuck, you should consider what resources you have to help you get unstuck — so somebody with a tow strap, another tow company,” Noll said. “If you can’t get an adequate resource there and you need some assistance, call APD, call 311, unless there is an actual emergency, call 911.”

This is a developing story. We will update with more information as it becomes available.

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