Snow slows traffic, though few accidents reported in Kenai, Soldotna

With a measurable amount of snow on the roadways this morning, it’s time to slow down and bust out the four-wheel drive.

Drivers in Kenai, Soldotna and the surrounding areas were prepared, or at least lucky, this morning when they hit the roads. During the first snowy morning commute of the season, local officials were pleased to report only a few minor accidents.

“At about 8:30, there were only two minor wrecks around K-Beach Road and then one minor wreck that we knew about in the Soldotna city area,” said Alaska State Troopers spokesperson Megan Peters. “It doesn’t look that bad.”

The accident in town occured by the sports center, said Soldotna Police Chief Peter Mlynarik.

Kenai fared even better this morning, with no accidents to report.

“Thankfully, and against our expectations, we have had zero accidents called in this morning,” Kenai Police Sgt. Paul Kushman said by early afternoon. “We are very pleased. … It’s good to finally give good news.”

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities’ Alaska 511 web portal reported road conditions on the western Kenai Peninsula as good by early evening Tuesday, with fair conditions on the roads east of Sterling. The snow had been plowed, but slush remained on the eastern Sterling Highway, according to Alaska 511.

All three officials warned drivers to slow down on the roads and be cognizant of how the weather will impact their commute.

“Slow down and keep lots of space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you,” Mlynarik said. “If you have four-wheel drive, put it in four-wheel drive. … Don’t worry about saving gas. You’ll save yourself some heartache.”

Peters also recommended those who have been procrastinating when it comes to snow tires get to work.

“As always, the roads are just as safe as the people driving on them,” Peters said. “If they are aware that they need to take more time to stop in certain cases, if they put on their snow tires and are driving cautiously, it should be OK. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.”

The AccuWeather forecast predicts more snow and some rain throughout the rest of the week, which could create more driving issues.

“Weather can dictate a lot of what’s going on with the roadways,” Peters said. “So drivers need to be cautious. It can change from one hour to the next. Take your time — it’s wintertime in Alaska.”

Reach Kat Sorensen at kat.sorensen@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

The waters of Cook Inlet lap against Nikishka Beach in Nikiski, Alaska, where several local fish sites are located, on Friday, March 24, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Unprecedented closures threaten setnet way of life

Setnetters have been vocal about their opposition to the way their fishery is managed

Legislative fiscal analysts Alexei Painter, right, and Conor Bell explain the state’s financial outlook during the next decade to the Senate Finance Committee on Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Legislators eye oil and sales taxes due to fiscal woes

Bills to collect more from North Slope producers, enact new sales taxes get hearings next week.

Expert skateboarder Di’Orr Greenwood, an artist born and raised in the Navajo Nation in Arizona and whose work is featured on the new U.S. stamps, rides her skateboard next to her artworks in the Venice Beach neighborhood in Los Angeles Monday, March 20, 2023. On Friday, March 24, the U.S. Postal Service is debuting the “Art of the Skateboard,” four stamps that will be the first to pay tribute to skateboarding. The stamps underscore how prevalent skateboarding has become, especially in Indian Country, where the demand for designated skate spots has only grown in recent years. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Indigenous artists help skateboarding earn stamp of approval

The postal agency ceremoniously unveiled the “Art of the Skateboard” stamps in a Phoenix skate park

Bruce Jaffa, of Jaffa Construction, speaks to a group of students at Seward High School’s Career Day on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Seward High School in Seward, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward students talk careers at fair

More than 50 businesses were represented

Alaska state Sen. Bert Stedman, center, a co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee, listens to a presentation on the major North Slope oil project known as the Willow project on Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. The committee heard an update on the project from the state Department of Natural Resources and the state Department of Revenue. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Official: Willow oil project holds promise, faces obstacles

State tax officials on Thursday provided lawmakers an analysis of potential revenue impacts and benefits from the project

Jerry Burnett, chair of the Board of Game, speaks during their Southcentral meeting on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Board of Game decides on local proposals

Trapping setbacks, archery hunts and duck restrictions were up for consideration

Audre Hickey testifies in opposition to an ordinance that would implement a citywide lewdness prohibition in Soldotna during a city council meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna council kills citywide lewdness ordinance

The decision followed lengthy public comment

Samantha Springer, left, and Michelle Walker stand in the lobby of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Springer named new head of Kenai chamber

Springer, who was raised in Anchorage, said she’s lived on the Kenai Peninsula since 2021

Forever Dance performers rehearse “Storytellers” on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘Storytellers’ weave tales with their feet

Dance and literature intersect in latest Forever Dance showcase

Most Read