Make sure you’re prepared for winter driving in Alaska

With areas of the state seeing up to a foot of snow and icy road conditions reported on the Kenai Peninsula this week, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) reminds drivers to be prepared for winter driving and offers four tips for a safe commute.

First, be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. If you have the option, consider staying home until roads are cleared and sanded. Second, be sure to clear off all snow and ice off your vehicle. Don’t forget mirrors and lights. Third, turn on vehicle headlights before getting on the road and utilize turn signals. Finally, always allow more room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Doing this gives time to react if you encounter unexpected conditions.

ADOT&PF follows a systematic approach to clear Alaska’s roads of snow and ice by categorizing every state-maintained road as one of five priority levels. Each level is based on traffic volume, speed, and connections to communities and other roads within the local transportation network.

Priority one roads may take up to 24 hours to clear after a major storm while priority two thoroughfares may take up to 36 hours to clear. Access to priority three roads may take up to 48 hours and priority four roads may take up to 96 hours to clear.

Area priority one roads include Parks Highway—to Big Lake Road, and Glenn Highway to Palmer-Fishhook Road. Beyond those cutoffs, highway priority drops to level two. The entire length of Knik-Goose Bay Road (KGB) is also included

Major priority two routes include: Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Bogard Road, Old Glenn Highwayof lesser priority based on traffic volume, speeds and uses. Typically, these are major highways and arterials connecting communities.

There are a large number of priority three roads in the Mat-Su which are major local or collector roads. Included in are East Seldon-Bogard Road Extension, Trunk Road, Hyer Road, 49th State Street, North Wasilla Fishhook Road, Fairview Loop, Old Matanuska-Willow Road, Church Road, Lucas Road, Pittman Road, West Hollywood Road, Vine Road, Big Lake Road and a section of Petersville Road.

The remaining roads in the Palmer-Wasilla area are considered priority four roads. The exceptions are sections of Nancy Lake Parkway and a section of Petersville Road along with Willow-Fishhook Road through Hatcher Pass. They are not maintained through the winter. Mat-Su area residents with questions about snow plowing on state highways can call 907-745-3117.

Each winter, ADOT&PF maximizes its resources to meet the provided operating budget. This winter will be no different. However, response time to all routes may take longer depending on the severity of the winter storm.

For an interactive map of all Alaska roads, direct your browser to ADOT&PF’s Winter Road Maintenance Priority Map, http://dot.alaska.gov/stwdmno/wintermap/index.shtmlis.

ADOT&PF reminds drivers to prepare for safe winter travel and to drive according to road and weather conditions. Remember, posted speed limits are for dry pavement. Drivers can access real-time travel information by visiting 511.Alaska.Gov or dialing 5-1-1.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 249 airports, 11 ferries serving 35 communities, 5,619 miles of highway and 720 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska.