Troopers cite both drivers after rear-end crash in Parks Highway work zone

Alaska State Troopers cited both drivers after a car rear-ended a vehicle stopped for a flagger Tuesday, Oct. 27, in a Parks Highway work zone between Nenana and Fairbanks.

A 63-year-old man driving south in a 2005 Chevy Cobalt hit a 2019 GMC Acadia stopped for the flagger at Mile 324 around 3 pm, according to the troopers' dispatch. The dispatch does not say what either driver was cited for.

The Cobalt driver first told troopers fog had limited his visibility. He later said he was tired and may have fallen asleep. He said he drank one beer earlier that day. A preliminary breath test showed 0.000% breath alcohol.

Both drivers wore seat belts. Paramedics took the Cobalt driver to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The Cobalt was totaled. The Acadia had rear-bumper damage but remained drivable.

Mile 324 lies within the state transportation department's reconstruction of Mileposts 319 to 325. Alaska News reported June 15 that the project was blasting rock cuts and running 24-hour pilot cars.

The state's 511 road report lists Mile 322 to 325 as a reconstruction zone. It tells drivers to expect pilot cars around the clock with short delays.

Last month, troopers also cited both drivers after a semi driver they say fell asleep hit a car stopped partly in the lane on the Parks Highway near Healy, Alaska News reported Sept. 27.