DOT looks at Wasilla's core

WASILLA -- An old traffic study is being updated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, to find some long-term solutions to traffic problems in Wasilla's core area.

In 2001, DOT&PF prepared a traffic study of Wasilla. That study is now being updated for 2004 and 2005.

The update is intended to identify the north-south traffic demand along Main Street in the year 2025, and determine which street upgrades would best satisfy that demand. In addition to providing for future traffic demand, the study will consider other modes of travel and try to minimize problems for the Alaska Railroad and adjacent local businesses.

The study will also examine possible changes to traffic circulation patterns, which would include decreasing congestion at the entrance to the post office.

Options being considered in the study include the use of Main and Knik streets as two-way streets, with a Knik Street overpass at the railroad and the Parks Highway; just widening Main Street and connecting and extending Yenlo and Talkeetna streets and converting them into a one-way northbound street while converting Main Street and Knik-Goose Bay Road into a one-way southbound street.

"The determining factors are going to be a solution that best meets the traffic needs in the Main Street area and can be agreed on by the parties involved," said Arnold Harder, consultant project manager. "It's difficult at this stage to have any preferences, the traffic models have not been completed yet."

During the preparation of the study, ADOT&PF will involve the city of Wasilla, Mat-Su Borough, Alaska Railroad, Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, Wasilla Post Office, adjacent property owners, the public and other interested parties in the process.

Prior to concluding the study in 2005, ADOT&PF will host a public open house meeting to present the study findings and seek public input. However, the department encourage peoples to send comments now, as the study update has just started. Send comments and questions to Arnold Harder, the consultant project manager, at 343-0262, or e-mail him at arnoldh@tnh-inc.com.

Contact Michael White at mike.white@frontiersman.com.