Pedestrians and cyclists traveling on the Spur Road Path who want to access the Talkeetna Public Library must cross the busy Spur Road to get there. And there currently is no at-grade access from that Path. The Talkeetna Community Council requested the Mat-Su Borough find a solution for those using the Path to safely cross the road. Seventy thousand dollars was approved in last year’s State budget for a crosswalk at this location, not enough to cover the full cost of the project.
According to communications included in the Talkeetna Community Council’s correspondence packet, Borough staff have proposed building a gravel access path directly across from South Morel Circle, just south of the library, where an existing at-grade access for the paved Spur Road Path already exists. The new five-foot gravel path would cross the ATV track and run about 750 feet through the forest and end at the southeast corner of the library parking lot.
There are still questions about whether there will be a marked crossing at the Spur Road and if the path will be lighted, as well as who will maintain the path. In addition, it is unclear if the previously dedicated funding from the State will be used to build this path or if there are other funding sources. Borough representatives have not yet responded to requests for additional information.
According to email correspondence made earlier this year, the Borough will handle permitting and building materials and expects to build the gravel path in summer 2026.
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