Motorists trying to get through their evening commutes found an unusual road block Thursday at the intersection of Kalifornsky Beach Road and Bridge Access Road, where a semi truck pulling a too-tall load took out an overhanging traffic light.
The Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of the broken light around 4:50 p.m. Thursday, according to an online trooper dispatch. The semi had been pulling heavy equipment, hit the overhanging light and broke it, according to the release.
Troopers issued Homer resident Douglas Fisk, 54, a citation for “exceeding the limit of oversize permit” and then released him, troopers wrote in the dispatch.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities responded to the intersection and fixed the traffic light the same day according to the dispatch.
“It actually happens a lot,” said Shannon McCarthy, public information officer for the department’s central region.
Drivers hit all manner of road signs, including light posts and directional signs, she said, though it is a little less common for them to hit overhanging traffic lights.
When a road sign is hit and damaged, the DOT contacts the driver’s insurance company and files a claim, McCarthy said. DOT encourages drivers to contact the department’s commercial vehicle section if they have any questions or doubts about the height of their haul, she said.
DOT workers fixed the traffic light right away because it was an immediate need for motorists in the area, McCarthy said, but sometimes the department will have to wait to fix damaged road signs.
Reach Megan Pacer at megan.pacer@peninsulaclarion.com.
