Q. What’s the plan?

A. The project will build on the work completed in earlier phases.  It will implement a 4- to 3-lane conversion for the roadway between Northern Lights Boulevard and Hillcrest Drive.  The area surrounding the Northern Lights/Benson intersections will be configured to improve their respective one-way traffic and high traffic volumes without lane reductions.  Improvements to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities are a major feature of the project.

Q. Will the project need more right-of-way for the road?

A. We anticipate using the existing right-of-way for the road and pedestrian facilities. Additional right-of-way, if required, will be minor. The only exception to this is the proposed acquisition of property to line up 27th Avenue north of Northern Lights Boulevard. 

Q. Why are 3-lane roadways good for business?

A. A road diet changes the lane configuration of an existing road by reallocating the available street right-of-way. The final configuration is a through lane in each direction with a center turn lane.  The area the fourth lane occupied becomes a sidewalk, bike lane, shoulder, on-street parking or provides space for aesthetic treatments.

This change to the roadway has potential benefits.  From experience in other cities, the change can reduce the speed limit on the road, which in turn may reduce the number and severity of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes.  Pedestrians benefit because they have fewer traffic lanes to cross and because vehicle speeds are lower.

Businesses benefit from vehicle occupants and pedestrians that can more easily observe and participate in the commercial activity they see.

Q. Will my driveway or access be changed?

A. Some driveway access will need to be changed to conform to safety standards. The project team will discuss this individually in detail with affected property owners at the appropriate time in the design process.

Q. Will the project affect parking at my business?

A. The project will use the right of way for improving the roadway. If you are currently using the right of way for parking it is likely that will have to cease. We urge business and property owners to work together to provide safe parking for their customers outside the publicly owned right of way.

Q. Will there be improvements to bus stops?

A. Bus stops will be brought up to current standards and amenities such as benches may be added. Some locations might shift to better serve bus riders, and off-street bus turnouts may be provided where existing right-of-way allows.

Q. Will there be changes to the sidewalks?

A. Good pedestrian facilities are an invitation to walk in a neighborhood, and walkers are more likely to notice individual businesses on a street. This project will add 8-foot-wide sidewalks to both sides of Spenard Road that will meet current standards and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Q. When will these changes be constructed?

A. Construction is estimated to take place in 2009 or later. The intent is to include construction funding on the spring, 2009, Municipal Bond ballot.  Anchorage voters will need to approve the bond for the project to begin construction.

Q. What will be done to minimize impacts to my business?

A. We know that road construction is a trying time for businesses. The Municipality’s construction contract will include incentives to complete the work on time and to take actions that will minimize impacts to businesses.  The city is committed to working with area businesses to develop an optimum construction plan, phasing schedules and work zone traffic routing.

Q. What about the rest of Spenard?

A. The section of Spenard south of this project from Benson to the Minnesota intersection will be designed and constructed in another phase.  The timing and funding for this phase is not confirmed.

Q. How can I find out what's going on?

A. Bookmark this web site and keep coming back to check. We will also be mailing out newsletters and announcements during the project. If you would like to make sure you are on the mailing list, please contact the Public Involvement Coordinator Public Participation Coordinator.