Mile 5 Old Glenn Hwy. closed due to mud slide

Aug. 22, 2006

MAT-SU - Mile 5 Old Glenn Hwy. was closed Tuesday evening due to a very large and ongoing mudslide which was 100 feet across and up to 4 feet deep as of about 9:30 p.m.

Crews were working to clear the debris from the roadway, but were unable to keep up with the large amount of mud and brush running down slope. According to the Mat-Su Borough's emergency operations center, the alternate route available is the Glenn Highway through Palmer to the Old Glenn Highway.

The state Department of Transportation expects to have the road open Wednesday morning, according to the borough.

Several families were displaced by the slide. The Red Cross is assisting those in need, according to the borough.

Mud and debris also blocked a portion of Settlers Bay Drive just below the restaurant, which was reported as passable, but difficult for four-wheel-drive vehicles.