State DOT proposes re-channelization of congested Wasilla intersection

Traffic was a central topic during the January 26 meeting of the Wasilla City Council as the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) presented Parks Highway Re-channelization from the intersection of the Parks/Palmer-Wasilla Hwy to the east to reduce left-turn accidents.

“This project…is looking to re-channelize the Parks Highway from roughly the intersection of Palmer-Wasilla Highway (PWH) with the Parks Highway, towards the east to reduce left turn accidents,” said Chris Bentz, an engineer with the DOT&PF. “But also possibly to install dedicated left turn lanes along that section as warranted through evaluation.”

He said they are also looking at re-channelizing the PWH northbound at that same intersection with the Parks Highway, explaining that the reason for this is safety. “The real blunt, straightforward response it to improve safety,” he said, pointing to data collected over a four-year period, from 2018-2022, showing the types of crashes, the severity, and number that occur on that particular stretch of roadway.

“What we see, relative to the sample size is a very large percentage of what we call angle collisions,” which he explained were turning-traffic at an angle and meeting at an angle, separate from rear-end or head-on collisions. “It isn’t overly surprising. The Parks Highway has a large amount of through-put traffic and we have a lot of access points along the stretch of the highway.” Bentz went on to say that since there are a lot of turning points, every time a vehicle tries to move onto the highway, drivers are making a judgement in the available gap to get across two- and sometimes four-lane traffic.

Bentz said looking at the traffic heading northbound on the PWH, specifically approaching the intersection, data points to a large number of rear-end crashes in the area.

The DOT&PF is proposing three different improvements to incorporate into the area:

--Median construction that would extend the median from the intersection up to Hermon Road.

--Extension of dual left turn pockets through the PWH/Parks Highway

--Looking at the PWH approach, extending the right turn pocket further up the road towards the railroad overcrossing.

Of course, there are some key things to consider, most importantly the limited funds available. “We went out and secured state funds…to accomplish these efforts,” he said, telling the council member that they have received nearly $3.5M for both design and construction. The funds have also afforded the DOT&PF an expedited design and construction process, but a limited scope. “$3.5M only buys us so much today. The median construction and right turn pocket is going to stretch that.”

There is a benefit to the state funding, Bentz explained, which is eliminating several milestone marks that could tie up the entire process. “It’s going to be quicker than a typical DOT project delivery.”

Bentz also said that dedicated turn lanes possible at limited locations, but those are to be determined, following a limited traffic analysis to assess the viability and further determine the locations for both right and left turn lanes.

Another key consideration is the change to traffic patterns. Bentz said that where previously drivers could make left turns will change with the road construction. “That is part of the reason analysis we’re going to be doing to evaluate whether limited left turn pockets are prudent.”

The biggest consideration remains increased safety to everyone using the intersection.

Bentz laid out a projected schedule that begins with traffic analysis (counting all the turning vehicles at the various intersection approaches) and possible surveying set to begin later this spring and into the summer, a completed design and estimates this summer.

“I’m really, really excited to see this come forward,” said Councilman Ian Grafton, explaining that the PWH/Parks Highway issue began with a conversation back in the fall of 2024, before working its way up as a resolution. He also acknowledged that while it may not be a “fix-all,” it will go a long way to alleviating the miles-long back-up at the intersection.

Councilman Stu Graham worried about the proposed curb could potentially cut off access to some businesses along the roads. “Those businesses have invested hundreds of millions of dollars. They make their livelihood from that, and some of these businesses employ hundreds of people. And if you can’t make a eft turn into those businesses along a corridor…we’re cutting off those businesses; we’re cutting off those jobs. We’re cutting off the ability to make a living and cutting off the ability of the city to survive as the center of commerce.” Graham said he thinks the plan needs more specifics and analysis.