Plans for new road would relieve traffic congestion in Palmer

Frontiersman editorial board

Plans by the city of Palmer to extend Dogwood Avenue through the Glenn Highway and behind Pioneer Square Mall, eventually meeting up to the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, are essential in alleviating the traffic congestion on E. Evergreen.

Anyone who has traveled the short stretch of road during peak hours understands how great the need is. Attempts to turn onto or cross E. Evergreen between 4:15 and 5:30 p.m. often test the limits of the most patient drivers.

Two of the highest-traffic establishments within the city, Fred Meyer and the post office, have access points from E. Evergreen. Traffic oftentimes comes to a standstill as motorists making a left-hand turn into Fred Meyer or onto Cobb Street wait for a break in the long line of cars that is often backed up to the four-way stop at the intersection of E. Evergreen and South Colony Way. The extension would also provide an alternate entrance into Pioneer Square Mall, which houses Carrs, another high-traffic business.

While the road extension would require another traffic signal at the Glenn Highway intersection, we think the improved access and additional safety measures would be worth the minor inconvenience the signal may cause.

Many people were opposed to a traffic signal being installed between Fred Meyer and Cottonwood Creek Mall in Wasilla, but are now used to it and frequently use it to safely access the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

Having a solid plan in place to accommodate increased traffic flows in the future is fundamental to ensuring the basic services to a growing community. Traffic bottlenecks like those seen on E. Evergreen Avenue are not only frustrating to drivers, but cost precious time for emergency service personnel trying to make their way to the scene of an accident or fire.

The city still needs to acquire right of way from one property owner west of the Glenn Highway, and will need the state's Department of Transportation to move funding that is already set aside for construction from 2006 to 2005.

The Department of Transportation's design section project manager, Judy Dougherty, has said it is to Palmer's credit that it has a city plan. We agree and hope DOT will see the need for this worthwhile project and work closely with the city of Palmer to see it move forward.