Anchorage

Part of pedestrian bridge collapses onto Seward Highway in South Anchorage

The supporting structure of a pedestrian bridge over the Seward Highway in South Anchorage was still standing after much of the rest of the structure collapsed onto the highway early Sunday. (Bill Roth/ADN)

Part of a pedestrian bridge across the Seward Highway near South Anchorage’s Rabbit Creek Elementary School and DeArmoun Road collapsed onto the highway early Sunday as high winds battered the city, closing both lanes of the highway for a time.

The bridge’s frame and supports remained intact after roofing and fencing fell.

The department said it happened around 2:30 a.m.

Workers clear fencing and decking from a pedestrian bridge that collapsed onto the Seward Highway in South Anchorage near DeArmoun Road and Rabbit Creek Elementary early Sunday. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)
Workers tend to the Seward Highway pedestrian bridge in South Anchorage that was damaged windstorm on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (Bill Roth / ADN)
A pedestrian bridge spanning the Seward Highway was damaged during the windstorm on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (Bill Roth / ADN)
A pedestrian bridge spanning the Seward Highway was damaged during the windstorm on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Crews from the department cleared the debris from the highway and it was reopened later Sunday morning, the department said.

Engineers from the department are planning to inspect the remaining superstructure of the bridge “as quickly as possible,” the department said on social media.

#Anchorage: 8 a.m. Update: At approximately 2:30 a.m. DOT&PF Maintenance crews responded by using sawsalls (saws that...

Posted by Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities on Sunday, January 12, 2025

There were no apparent injuries. Alaska’s News Source reported Anchorage police said one vehicle came in contact with the debris but the impact was considered minor.

The transportation and police departments didn’t immediately respond to requests for more information Sunday morning.

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High winds battered the Anchorage area overnight and early Sunday, with gusts of more than 90 mph recorded at higher elevations, and the city remained under a high wind warning through midday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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