Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The state has patched up a damaged bridge on the McCarthy road. The Department of Transportation reports that the Lakina Bridge is passable again.
Overhead supports on the steel span were hit by an oversize vehicle earlier this week, and the state closed the bridge after computer models revealed structural concerns. Bailey says emergency actions were taken.
The Lakina Bridge, which is about 15 miles outside McCarthy along the community’s only road link, is open daily between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. until a permanent fix is completed. D.O.T. personnel are on site making sure only vehicles weighing under 6,000 pounds cross the compromised span. Bailey says no decision has been made on whether the driver of the vehicle that hit Lakina Bridge will be held responsible for repair costs.
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