Multi-vehicle crash shuts roads near West Tanana Drive before UAF police give all-clear

Roads were shut down in both directions near 2180 W. Tanana Drive on Thursday evening as University of Alaska Fairbanks police responded to a crash involving multiple vehicles, the department said.

UAF police posted an alert about the collision at 8:03 pm Thursday. "Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route," the department said. It also asked drivers to use caution and give emergency responders room to work, and said it would share updates as more information became available.

The department later edited the post to say the scene was all clear.

Police have not released how many vehicles were involved, whether anyone was hurt, what caused the collision or how long the roads stayed closed. They have not said whether road conditions played a role.

The crash came at the end of a day of icy-road warnings in the Fairbanks area. Thursday morning, the National Weather Service in Fairbanks issued a special weather statement saying light rain falling in temperatures just below freezing had left slick spots on roads and sidewalks. Forecasters said conditions were expected to improve by the afternoon as temperatures warmed.

That was the third straight day of icy-road warnings, Alaska News reported Oct. 29. UAF police and Fairbanks police both urged people Thursday morning to avoid unnecessary travel. UAF police asked drivers who had to be on the road to slow down, leave more room between vehicles and keep headlights on.