DOT assesses wind damage

MAT-SU -- Valley residents are being asked to reacquaint themselves with four-way stop protocol as stoplights at several intersections in the area have reverted to flashing lights as a result of last week's windstorm.

The Department of Transportation is estimating several thousand dollars worth of damage as a result of the strong winds, much stemming from damage to stoplights.

"Just about every intersection has damage," said Rick Dolfi, maintenance foreman at the Palmer DOT office.

Some light assemblies broke loose during the 70-plus mph gusts, while others lost light shields and backing plates. Dolfi said DOT electrician Greg Beck has been working steadily to repair lights up the Parks Highway, along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway and along the Glenn Highway.

"Hopefully after today, we'll start seeing an improvement," Dolfi said Monday.

In addition to stoplight damage, the department saw extensive damage in other areas.

"Just about every sign is down on the parks," Dolfi said.

The signs, he said, are on breakaway bolts to prevent damage if vehicles run into the signs. Each sign, he said, generally has three breakaway bolts, each of which cost about $25. Dolfi said he couldn't yet guess how many replacement bolts would be needed.

The wind caused additional damage up the Parks Highway, Dolfi said. Three high-tower lights, extending nearly 100 feet in the air, lost their lights when the gusting wind cut the cables and sent the light fixtures to the ground, where they hit the ground and exploded.

Additional damage to guardrails, he said, was brought on by three tractor-trailers that were overturned during the wind storm. Dolfi said, at this point, funding for the repairs will come from the department's maintenance budget. More funding may be available, Dolfi said, if the area is declared as a disaster area.