Dear Neighbors,

Because of recent accidents, and the possibility of “bridge fund” monies being available for other Alaska transportation projects, our office has had a great deal of input from concerned citizens. Yesterday, in Girdwood, Fire Chief Bill Chadwick held a meeting to discuss traffic safety on the Seward Highway, especially between Anchorage and Girdwood.

Over one hundred people attended the meeting. Many people shared their personal experiences of accidents and near misses on the highway and their frustrations with the current conditions. The general consensus of the group was that a divided highway was necessary to prevent the type of accidents that are happening. Temporary highway dividers of concrete barriers or doubled guardrails were proposed for an immediate solution.

Meanwhile, to provide another short-term solution, the Department of Transportation is working on getting signs up on the Seward Highway. Two large signs are at the Kenai police department now. One of those signs is a marquee-type that can be programmed with different messages. For example, if it is icy, the message can display a lower speed limit. The Department of Transportation, Central Region also has signs so that up to four signs could be available.

Signage and law enforcement are short-term solutions. Mid-term solutions include the use of a “bat-mobile”, a van equipped to take over the process of evaluating drivers stopped for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol. Using the van reduces the average time of processing from three or four hours to about thirty minutes. Long-term solutions include evaluating a new highway design and education programs to support safety goals for both the short and long term.

DOT wants to improve highway safety, and they clearly have the support of the community, the Alaska State Troopers (Col. Julia Grimes), and DOT, Central region. I support their efforts and will work with them, and you, to make our highways safer.

Sincerely,

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