(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) is taking aim at Muldoon Road’s high crash rate. Department engineers are proposing a project to upgrade the road to reduce vehicle crashes and vehicle conflicts with pedestrians. 

“Points on Muldoon Road have a crash rate that is three to four times the state’s average for any road like it,” said Carla Smith, ADOT&PF traffic project manager. “We want to change that, for the businesses, the neighborhoods, drivers, walkers, bikers, basically everyone who uses this corridor.” 

The stretch of Muldoon Road between 11th Court and Boundary Avenue exceeds the statewide average crash rate for similar roads by four times. ADOT&PF engineers are recommending specific improvements designed to reduce crashes, including installing a raised median and providing pedestrian safety areas mid-block. Engineers will also examine ways to reduce the conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians and bicyclists.

“The department conducts a safety analysis of Alaska’s roads every year. We take the data and target roads that can benefit most from engineering improvements,” said Scott Thomas, ADOT&PF central region traffic engineer.

Muldoon Road carries an average of 30,000 vehicles a day and is considered an arterial roadway because it connects to the Glenn Highway. It supports a vibrant commercial district in Anchorage and serves as a main transportation link for surrounding neighborhoods.

The project will be funded through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The purpose of the HSIP program is to allow the department to move quickly and efficiently to make engineering changes that will save Alaskan lives.

HSIP projects differ from the department’s regular project development because engineers focus on cost effective modifications that directly result in fewer crashes.

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.”

# # #

 

Main Newsroom Page