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Board seeks DOT meeting after members describe hazardous winter conditions and staffing shortfalls on Flats Road
Summary
Board members described winter potholes, freezing-thaw cycles and limited local enforcement; they agreed to invite Department of Transportation staff (local foreman or representative) to a future meeting to discuss priorities, staffing and communication about road conditions.
Board members raised safety concerns about the condition of the Flats Road during winter and agreed to request a Department of Transportation representative for a future meeting to discuss priorities, staffing and communication protocols.
Members described large potholes, freeze–thaw damage and limited ability for the municipality or DOT to perform long-term fixes during winter. One board member said local DOT staffing appears reduced and that regular upkeep is constrained; members discussed whether prioritization between the Klondike Highway and local roads affects the Flats Road response.
Board members emphasized they wanted a collaborative, informational meeting rather than an adversarial confrontation. Proposed topics for a DOT meeting included DOT staffing and priorities for southeast Alaska roads, how DOT determines which open roads are cleared or repaired first, which local DOT foreman covers the Flats Road, and how residents should report hazardous conditions to improve response.
Next steps: The board agreed to add a road-safety item to the next agenda and invite a DOT representative (local foreman or regional contact) to explain constraints and options. Members also discussed compiling resident condition reports to share with DOT and potentially brief legislators if staffing or prioritization issues remain unresolved.
