Traffic on Bogard is becoming dangerous

To the editor:

I live off Engstrom Road, which intersects with the now fast moving Bogard Road near the Trunk Road roundabout. We love the roundabouts and now know that Bogard Road will be one continuous system of roundabouts from Palmer to north of Wasilla.

The traffic on Bogard Road is never ending at most times of the day, especially during school starting/ending times. Engstrom lies in the middle between six public schools on Bogard Road.

Leaving my home yesterday and trying to make a left turn on Bogard Road at 3:50 p.m. was a good long wait. Some folks wait and wait and wait it out. Some rush out there on Bogard Road and make it. Some (since the roundabout on Trunk) rush out there and don’t make it. I came home to a major two-car accident on Engstrom and Bogard.

This is now becoming a common event. We fear that Bogard is going to become another dangerous Palmer-Wasilla Highway, which we try not to use.

I attended the DOT traffic fair last fall. I asked many booths about this. I was told by several booths that it is a state problem, and that the state goes by data as to where they change traffic patterns. Data was explained to me that, “they look at the number of deaths and/or injuries as to what areas to change.”

There have been counter strips on Engstrom for more than a year. Homes are built left and right back in here off of Engstrom and are about to get much higher with subdivision(s) going in near Heart and Wolf Lakes.

Someone please pay attention to this problem before there are more deaths and/or injuries. A light would be grand, as would a slower speed limit. A reduction of the hill coming from Trunk north on Engstrom would even be welcome.

I’m sending this to state and borough DOT folks hoping something is done soon. For those of you living or visiting off Engstrom, please write letters here, call and write state/borough DOT offices and drive safe out there, for all of our lives.

Thank you.

Kathleen Jones

Palmer