In a joint meeting, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly and Planning Commission were presented with a comprehensive transportation study. Borough Planning and Land Use Director Alex Strawn says the study was paid with a federal earmark and has been in progress for several years. He says the study will not be presented for approval, but after a few minor changes will instead be presented to the Assembly as an informational memorandum.
Strawn says in the meeting that the goal was to identify major transportation issues, many of which are located in the core of the Borough. However, some issues are Borough-wide. Those include the need for data, more connectivity among subdivisions, limited land use policies and codes, limited facilities for pedestrians and other users, and a need for transit facilities.
The study points to many specific problem areas throughout the core. But alternative access to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and additional landfill access are two analyses covered in the study that could impact all Borough residents. Emergency vehicles would benefit from alternative access points to the hospital in case one route is blocked due to a roadway incident or other issue on a route. Alternative landfill access would help alleviate traffic buildup along North 49th State Street.
Though much of the study focuses on the Borough’s core area, some issues like lack of data and limited pedestrian facilities affect residents Borough-wide.
The study will be presented to the Assembly with minor changes at a future meeting.
