Better coordinate Wasilla’s traffic signals

Presently there are five traffic signals motorist encounter when traveling through Wasilla on the Parks Highway. Soon there will be two more. Let us hope that DOT (Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities) has figured out how to synchronize the new (and old) signal system allowing motorists to negotiate Wasilla without stopping at every intersection with a traffic signal. The present non-synchronized system not only contributes to traffic congestion, it is costing a fortune in wasted fuel.

Approximately 27,000 vehicles travel through Wasilla on the Parks Highway each day. If each vehicle used one extra ounce (probably a very conservative figure) of fuel at each (it seems like I stop at every light) light when stopping, and then accelerating to 45 MPH that amounts to 27,000 ounces per day. Or, 189,000 ounces per week. Do the math; 1,152 gallons at $3.80/gal = $4,377 per week!

As we all try to conserve it is imperative that DOT do its part.

Dave Glenn

Wasilla