Optimization of Wasilla area traffic signals under way

Frontiersman.com

WASILLA — An Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities project to enhance traffic flow through Wasilla on the Parks Highway by coordinating traffic signals is expected to be complete by early November.

Following the successful installation of network communications and traffic viewing cameras, transportation spokesman Rick Feller said the effort now is to create a sequence of green light intervals that reduce delays in the primary direction of traffic during peak traffic hours.

As a result, Feller said vehicles on side streets and vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of prevailing peak flow may experience increased wait times.

“DOT&PF will be working to refine the signal operation to achieve the best service possible for these vehicles while providing improved progression for the primary direction,” he said in a press release.

DOT lists the Main Street/Knik-Goose Bay Road intersection as a particularly challenging part of the project, since during peak evening traffic, drivers typically wait several cycles pass through the intersection.

“A primary goal of the timing effort will be to reduce the number of cycles required to transit this intersection during peak traffic hours,” Feller said.

He said drivers should be alert for changes in traffic signal operations particularly at the intersection of the Parks Highway and Palmer Wasilla Highway.