Date: 201404
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: MRI.Airport, AK
Weather elements / visibility: Snow
Light: Night
Aircraft: Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Operating under: Part 91
Flight phase: Landing
Airspace: Class D MRI
ATC / advisory: Tower MRI
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Local
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Distraction; Troubleshooting
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance
Contributing factors: Airport; Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
Primary problem: Procedure

Narrative: Prior to winter the Airport Authority decided to close various taxiway interlinks to save time during snow removal operations. An aircraft on landing roll Runway 25 attempted to exit a taxiway was that closed and had snow piled in it.During the pre-winter snow meeting controllers opposed the taxiway interlink closures. The Airport Authority said they were closing the interlinks. Controllers asked if the intersections were going to be barricaded; the airport said no; they were just going to remove the lights and signs. This worked 'ok' when the field was entirely covered in snow; however; with the snow thawing; the taxiways look open even though snow is piled in them. According to the Aeronautical Information Manual pilots are expected to exit the first available taxiway. Even with no signs naming the taxiway; the intersection appears to be open to an aircraft on the runway; and they turn to exit. With no barricades to visually indicate the closure; aircraft attempt to exit and are put in a dangerous situation; both with their aircraft coming in close proximity to the snow piles; and by the potential traffic conflict with other aircraft landing and the first aircraft not being able to clear the runway. The amount of time saved by not clearing the interlinks over the winter was negligible; and the loss of efficiency to the controllers and the users was great; along with the dangerous situations illustrated above. It is recommended that no taxiway intersections be closed as 'standard practice.' It is further recommend that if a taxiway must be closed for any reason (snow; construction; etc); that it be barricaded as is standard practice at other airports. According to Advisory Circular 150/5340-1L Section 5.7 b (1) - closed taxiways are considered 'hazardous' and are to be marked. According to Advisory Circular 150/5370-2 Section 218 b (1) (d) (ii) 'Temporarily Closed Taxiways.  Place barricades outside the safety area of intersecting taxiways. For runway/taxiway intersections; place an X at the entrance to the closed taxiway from the runway. If the taxiway will be closed for an extended period; obliterate taxiway centerline markings; including runway lead off lines; leading to the closed section. If the centerline markings will be reused upon reopening the taxiway; it is preferable to paint over the marking. This will result in less damage to the pavement when the upper layer of paint is ultimately removed. The Airport Authority did not comply with these requirements.




Synopsis: Reporter states barricades were not used for closed taxiways off of the runway to indicate the closure.