No phones, cell phones, internet for Willow

Aug. 20, 2006 11:30 pm

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER-- Two breaks in fiber optics lines at Willow Creek and farther north on the Parks Highway have left likely thousands of residents without phone, cell phone, and internet service since late afternoon. The affected communities include Willow to just before Fairbanks.

The power is on, but no one in these areas has 911 access. Volunteer ham radio operators have been trying to fill the gaps. About half a dozen ham operators have been reporting weather and road conditions. The operators also helped narrow the search for the break in the fiber optic cables. MTA will start to repair a line at midnight tonight and expects to work on it for a few hours. Emergency responders are going to assist MTA in the dark conditions with scene lighting. The MAT-SU dive rescue team will participate because of the dangerous working conditions in rain and darkness. During repairs tonight, the northbound lane of the Parks Highway at mile 71 will be closed.

More than 150 residents have been displaced by the storm. The open shelter at the Willow Community Center has few people in it. Residents with wells and standing water around the wells should boil their drinking water.

As the flood disaster moves into damage assessment mode, Dept. of Transportation officials began inspecting bridges today along Wasilla Fishhook Road, the Schrock Road area, and the Parks Highway.

At mile post 57 of the Parks the Little Susitna Crossing at Houston appears to be in good condition. The inspectors will return at first light for more bridge work. As of 11 pm Sunday, the water level there has dropped four feet in the last few hours.

Mudslides at Moose Creek Canyon have partially blocked Buffalo Mine Rd. at mile 1. One lane remains open to traffic. Road crews are working to clear the blockage and motorists should be cautious.

King Arthur Drive in Houston remains closed. A ham radio operator reports that water there has gone down about four inches as of 11:30 pm. Please see the Borough Web site for a complete list and map of road closures. www.matsugov.us