Construction crews starting work at 6 a.m. on April 23 created severe delays for Palmer commuters. Some drivers reported trips to work stretched to two hours.

Curt McCormick, a Palmer-area resident, said alternating lane closures during the morning rush turned his usual commute into a two-hour crawl. The construction work began at 6 a.m., putting crews on the road just as early-shift workers headed out.

The Alaska Department of Transportation's 511 system showed construction delays on highways around Palmer that morning. This included sections of the Parks and Glenn highways near the Mat-Su Valley community. Social media posts from multiple residents described similar slowdowns across the region.

Palmer sits at the junction of the Glenn Highway, which connects Anchorage to the Interior, and the Old Glenn Highway. The community of about 7,000 people serves as a bedroom community for workers commuting to Wasilla, the Mat-Su Borough seat, and Anchorage, 42 miles southwest.

The 511 system confirmed construction activity in the Palmer area during morning hours. The system showed lane reductions but no full closures.

Other highways in southcentral Alaska also reported construction delays that morning. The Parks Highway, which runs north from Wasilla through the Mat-Su Valley, and the Seward Highway south of Anchorage both showed active work zones, according to posts from Alaska traffic watchers.

Weather conditions were clear that morning, according to the National Weather Service. Snow or ice did not contribute to the delays.

Construction season in Alaska typically runs from late April through October, when temperatures allow asphalt work and road maintenance. Crews often start early to maximize daylight hours and complete projects before winter returns.

The timing of the work, beginning at 6 a.m., coincided with the start of the morning commute for many Mat-Su Valley workers. First shifts at businesses in Wasilla and Anchorage often begin between 7 and 8 a.m. This puts peak traffic volume on the roads during the construction window.

No emergency closures or accidents were reported in connection with the construction work. The delays appeared to result from standard lane alternating procedures, where traffic takes turns using a single lane while crews work in the other.

The Alaska Department of Transportation has not issued a public statement about the construction schedule or expected duration of the work. The agency typically posts planned construction projects on its website and through the 511 system. Details about specific daily start times are not always included.

Mat-Su Valley residents can check current road conditions and construction zones through 511.alaska.gov or by calling 511 from any phone in Alaska. The system provides updates on lane closures, construction schedules, and estimated delays.