Fireweed Lane Reconstruction Project

Background.

Welcome.
Over the past 20 years, Fireweed Lane has consistently experienced high vehicle/pedestrian/bike crash rates. The street has twice been nominated by the ADOT&PF and the MOA for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The HSIP is a funding program that identifies areas in the community with the highest crash rates. The funding is allocated only to those roadway projects where corrective measures will significantly reduce crash rates and crash severity, while maintaining current and future traffic flow. Each HSIP study of this corridor recommended converting the existing 4-lane roadway to 3-lanes, while improving the intersections to optimize traffic flow and improve turning movements. Both times the project halted due to lack of consensus among the owners and users. Unresolved issues include the number and configuration of traffic lanes, access to local businesses, type and location of pedestrian facilities, and beautification amenities, among others. Many of the desired changes could not be funded by the HSIP.

The project was recently transferred from ADOT&PF to the Municipality of Anchorage, and was initiated as a high-priority Reconstruction Project. The transfer of this project allows for additional funding to provide those elements that are outside the original HSIP scope.

Meanwhile, crash patterns along Fireweed Lane resulting in property damage, personal injury and fatalities persist. Ignoring this problem would be irresponsible on the part of the roadway owners.

This new project aims to: