(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) — With campaign season underway, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is reminding candidates and supporters to avoid placing campaign signs in the public highway right of way.

Campaign signs are a way for candidates to promote their candidacy, increase name recognition or demonstrate community support. However, signs placed in the highway right of way can pose a serious safety hazard for the public. Signs placed in areas adjacent to intersections and driveways can impair the ability of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to see oncoming traffic or other road hazards. Other signs present hazards to drivers if they should happen to experience a roadway departure.

As confirmed in litigation that occurred during the 2016 campaign season, DOT&PF has the authority to immediately remove all unauthorized signs that are placed within the highway right of way, regardless of content. Priority will be given to removing signs that restrict driver or pedestrian visibility near key areas such as intersections or driveways, with other signs being removed as resources allow.

In order to become more familiar with transportation rights-of-way and the state’s sign laws, the department encourages candidates and their volunteers to check the campaign sign website dot.alaska.gov/campaignsigns.

For more information regarding specific roads and highways in your area, contact local DOT&PF right of way offices:

• Central Region, Right of Way, Anchorage Office, (907) 269-0700
• Northern Region, Right of Way, Fairbanks Office, (907) 451- 5400
• Southcoast Region, Right of Way, Juneau Office, (907) 465-4542

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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