AST Highway Patrol Bureau moving to the Valley

PALMER — Public safety on local roadways has been a concern and contested topic, but help is on its way.

Amanda Price, the Department of Public Safety Commissioner, announced Monday that the Alaska State Trooper Bureau of Highway Patrol is moving its headquarters to the Mat-Su Valley West Post.

“Traffic safety remains a key component of our public safety mission, and the re-location of BHP to the Mat-Su Valley will allow us to focus efforts on some known problem areas like KGB Road,” Price said in a press release issued by the Department of Public Safety. “Troopers will still remain out in force in other areas of the state patrolling for traffic violators and unsafe driving, so drivers hoping for a change in enforcement levels should curb those expectations. Alaskans should continue to exercise safe driving practices and follow all traffic laws to ensure their safety, and the safety of others.”

AST director Colonel Barry Wilson and deputy director Andy Greenstreet also played a role in the decision, according to the release.

The unit will be moved to the Palmer Post by Feb. 1 according to the release.

Public safety on Knik-Goose Bay Road has been a major topic of concern, with an alarming number of fatalities from motor vehicle accidents along that roadway.

“After considering concerns from residents statewide and repeated motor vehicle collision fatalities in and around KGB Road, AST Leadership will shift the group’s focus to patrolling those areas in an effort to increase public safety. The vast majority of traffic collisions and fatalities are caused by distracted driving or speeding,” department officials stated in the release.

The highway patrol is a specialized unit that focuses on traffic violations.

“BHP’s presence in the Valley will be a great asset to our public safety work here,” B Detachment Commander Captain Tony April said. “Alaskans should always stay alert, drive safely, and avoid distractions while they’re behind the wheel.”

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