Storm drain fails at busy East Anchorage intersection

A collapsed storm drain at the busy intersection of Debarr Road and Bragaw Street triggered lane closures on Thursday as maintenance crews prepare for repair work next week that will lead to additional closures.

This marks the second time this month that the aging storm drainage system in the area has required repairs. A sinkhole formed two weeks ago at the intersection, prompting a dayslong closure as crews dug up the pipe and made repairs. The line is more than 50 years old.

At least one northbound lane on Bragaw through the Debarr intersection was closed Thursday. The collapsed section of pipe begins north of DeBarr and extends south through the intersection, where a complete failure occurred, according to a statement from Mayor Dave Bronson’s office. In total, 330 feet of storm drain pipe will be replaced, the statement said.

Over the past two weeks, the top of the storm drain has continued to fail and fill with debris, according to information in a video municipal officials posted Thursday. The line was built in 1967. Storm drains surrounding the area are functioning and clear of debris, officials said.

Repairs are scheduled to begin Monday, when drivers should expect delays and multiple lane closures.