State transportation officials have presented a variety of concepts for a new high-speed highway that cuts through the center of the city, but there is growing consensus among members of the public and some local officials around less expensive options that could change how everyone gets in, out and around Alaska's largest urban area.
According to an article from Alaska Public Media by Jeremy Hsieh, “The flashiest idea calls for building a new highway bypass through the Airport Heights neighborhood with an elevated viaduct over park land.” But officials from the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS), the local metropolitan planning organization, say their long term plan involves rebuilding the roads with Complete Street elements in mind. “That would likely mean fewer vehicle lanes, lower speed limits, safer sidewalks, better crosswalks and bike-friendly improvements. The AMATS estimate for that is about $75 million.”
A preliminary list of project options are being refined based on public input. Concepts for a new high-speed highway alternative have been met with skepticism from members of the public and some local officials.
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