Fencing and Roof Collapse on Anchorage Pedestrian Bridge Due to High Winds, Resulting in Highway Closure

January 13, 2025 TruthUSA

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Early Sunday morning, the side fencing and roof of a pedestrian bridge collapsed due to strong winds, resulting in the closure of the main highway south of Anchorage in both directions until the debris was removed.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported when the structure fell onto the Seward Highway near Alaska’s largest city, as confirmed by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.

A highway staff member reported the fallen debris around 2:30 a.m. Traffic was redirected, and crews using saws and front-end loaders managed to clear the area by 6:30 a.m., said department spokesperson Shannon McCarthy via email.

“While it’s still too early to ascertain the exact cause, it’s probable that the winds played a significant role,” McCarthy noted.

The main framework of the walkway that spans the four-lane highway, an entrance ramp, and an outer road remained undamaged. This bridge serves to connect a nearby neighborhood to an elementary school.

At the time of the incident, wind speeds exceeded 20 mph. Subsequently, heavier rain, snow, and winds reaching over 60 mph were predicted for later on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.