Heavy equipment move damages Palmer tracks

August 7, 2007

By HANNAH GUILLAUME/Frontiersman

PALMER - A man driving an earth mover with a canceled and revoked license tore out the tracks of the Alaska Railroad near downtown Palmer last week.

&#8220The damage was when the equipment went over the crossing,” said Stephenie Wheeler, an Alaska Railroad spokeswoman. &#8220It hooked the rail, bent the rail and then broke it.”

Investigation revealed Michael Smith, 59, of Palmer was the driver of the earth mover, according to Alaska State Troopers reports. He was released at the scene after being issued a court summons.

The tracks, crossing over Inner Springer Loop and the Glenn Highway, will take 12 hours to replace, Wheeler said. The railroad is teaming up with the Alaska Department of Transportation to close the intersection for repairs within the next 30 days. This could mean Inner Springer Loop and the Glenn Highway intersection could be closed during the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.

Wheeler said it is uncertain if the railroad will take legal action against Smith or request him to pay the cost of repairs, which are still being estimated.

Track warrants for operation are no longer being issued for trains in that area, she said, adding the closure could effect at least one customer, but she could not release the customer's name.

&#8220It's not impacting our operations now, at this point,” she said of the damage.

Contact Hannah Guillaume at 352-2284 or hannahguillaume@yahoo.com.