The city of Anchorage is rethinking its transportation plans. With a declining population, state officials have scrapped plans for a high-speed freeway connecting the Seward and Glenn highways. Instead, they’re exploring proposals for a slower, more scenic parkway.
The current highway connection, established in the 1960s, cuts through the Fairview neighborhood. This neighborhood was once the heart of Anchorages’ Black community. Despite speed limits and stoplights, the streets are notorious for speeding and crashes involving pedestrians.
Galen Jones, the state’s manager for the Seward-Glenn Connection study, says many people expressed concerns about noise, large footprints, and residential relocations. They were opposed to spending massive amounts of money on a solution that would potentially still have major impacts on the Fairview neighborhood, Jones said.
The parkway options under consideration would not use Gambell and Ingra streets. This would allow those streets to be improved for pedestrians, cyclists, and businesses. The parkways would also enable major upgrades at Gambell and Ingra, including wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and landscaping.
Furthermore, the parkway would reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and provide a safer and more scenic route for drivers.
In addition, the Anchorage Highway Project aims to reconnect Fireview and bring back economic vitality. With public comment open until January 23, state transportation planners are one step closer to selecting a final proposal.
In conclusion, the Anchorage Highway Project is moving forward, prioritizing community concerns and scenic design. By rethinking its transportation plans, the city of Anchorage is taking a step towards creating a safer, more sustainable, and more community-friendly transportation system.
This news story was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
