Phone repair attempt delayed until daylight

Matanuska Telephone Association attempted to repair a break in its fiber optic cable at midnight Sunday, but decided to wait until daylight because of the dangerous conditions in the water under the Willow Creek Bridge. Alaska Communication Systems is also waiting for daylight on another break on a separate cable. The compromised cables have left likely thousands of residents without phone, cell phone, and internet service since late Sunday afternoon. The affected communities include Willow to just before Fairbanks.

The power is on, but no one in these areas has access to 911. Incident Commander Dennis Brodigan urges anyone with an emergency to try their cell phone first. Intermittent calls have gotten through. If the phones fail, Brodigan urges the person to drive to the nearest fire department. Another option for those without transportation is the Alaska Railroad. As of 10 pm Sunday, the Railroad reported special Hurricane Turn passenger train with flag stop between Talkeetna and Hurricane on Monday, Tuesday, and maybe Wednesday. Alaska Railroad crews have opened the mainline track between Talkeetna and Denali National Park. Freight and passenger service has resumed between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Another utility concern is the toppled electric transmission tower near the mouth of the Susitna River. Chugach Electric Association's Web site reports that recent rains eroded a riverbank at the feet of the tower. The 70-foot aluminum tower supported a 230,000-volt transmission line that carries power from Chugach's Beluga Power Plant. It is one of three transmission lines that moves power throughout the Railbelt. The structure apparently came down at 6:52 p.m. Tuesday evening. Although the line is de-energized, the three wires that carry electricity are still attached to the structure and are suspended a few feet above the Susitna River. for more information on the tower visit www.chugachelectric.com

For a comprehensive list of road closures and maps, check the Borough Web site at www.matsugov.us