Anchorage

Motorcyclist critically injured, car driver hurt in Glenn Highway collision

A motorcyclist was critically injured Sunday night when his bike slammed into a guardrail on the Glenn Highway in Anchorage, causing him to soar over the rail and into the opposite lane and sending his motorcycle flying into a car, leaving a woman with minor injuries.

The accident at Airport Heights Drive and the Glenn shut down traffic in the area for hours as police investigated, according to an email sent Monday morning by Anchorage police spokesman MJ Thim.

Police were notified about the collision at 7:15 p.m. The motorcyclist was inbound on the Glenn on a 2004 Yamaha. He was approaching the intersection when he struck the guardrail separating inbound and outbound lanes.

"The motorcycle went airborne," Thim said. "The motorcyclist and the motorcycle separate."

The motorcycle landed on a white 2011 Chevrolet Malibu stopped at a red light at Mountain View Drive and the Glenn, injuring the driver.

"The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries," Thim said. "The driver, an adult female, of the vehicle was treated at the scene for minor injuries."

The biker was wearing a helmet. Thim did not immediately release his name early Monday, say whether he was cited, or provide the estimated rate of speed at which he was traveling.

"Toxicology report will determine if he was operating under the influence," Thim said in the email.

Alex DeMarban

Alex DeMarban is a longtime Alaska journalist who covers business, the oil and gas industries and general assignments. Reach him at 907-257-4317 or alex@adn.com.

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